Against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we've witnessed extraordinary change, for better and for worse. From rapid advancements in medical technology to civil resistance against injustice, and the status quo of communities coming together to fill the void of insufficient governments — African women have been at the forefront of it all. AMAKA believes it's Our World, Together. So, in honour of the African female change makers who are working to make our world a much safer, autonomous and authentic place, we've dedicated a digizine to highlight their work in changemaking, activism, and beyond. 

Kicking off the Power Issue, we present a list of 30 African women and non-binary innovators that AMAKA believes are ones to watch for the future. 

The Power Issue will also feature four written stories that reflect the diversity of problems and solutions currently present across Africa, with advocacy and resistance at the heart of each one.

In Ethiopia, east Africa, the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region threatens the safety and livelihoods of the area's most vulnerable, with instances of sexual violence, physical violence and malnutrition impacting women the most. We speak to frontline organisers, campaigners and international advocates on the current situation and steps needed to bring the strife to an end. 

In Ghana, west Africa, proposed anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation is set to enshrine homophobia in law unless stopped. AMAKA sits down with queer rights activists and scholars to discuss the potential impact on queer communities in the country and how we can lobby against this change.

Looking to Egypt, north Africa, we centre Black voices and experiences in Egypt's #MeToo movement, which has so far failed to encompass the intersection of race in national discourse. 

Back to west Africa, but Guinea-Bissau this time, AMAKA highlights the underrepresentation of women in parliament, comprising just 13.7% of seats, despite making up 51% of the population. Community radio poses an innovative solution to this issue, creating a means for women and girls to organise and participate politically on a grassroots level. 

As part of the Power Issue, we'll also be speaking to three activists from the continent, learning about their country-specific concerns and how their work is positively effecting change through their organisations Activate Her, Savage Rugby Club and Black Girls Surf.

From southern Africa, AMAKA talks to the South African teenage anti-racism activist Zulaikha Patel, whose protests in opposition to discriminatory policies against afro hair in schools brought the issue to public attention back in 2016. Through our conversation, we learn what progress South Africa's made in leaving behind the legacy of Apartheid to a more just and equitable society.

South African model, lawyer, and diversity activist, Thando Hopa, also speaks about the beauty politics at play in South Africa. She shares her journey with albinism and how that's impacted her experience of Black womanhood in the region.

AMAKA presents another offering from southern Africa, connecting with the activists and supporters behind Namibia’s #ShutItAllDown movement. It gained prominence in 2020 as an anti-gender-based violence organisation after the heartbreaking abduction and murder of 22-year-old Shannon Wasserfall.

Finally, as a Libyan American whose family descends from north Africa, Noor Tagouri lends a voice to the diversity of the hijabi experience. From appearing on Playboy to dreams of being a prominent news anchor, Tagouri confronts traditional ideals of modesty and Western modernity to be her own person. 

AMAKA hopes to continue profiling the incredible work of African women in improving conditions for those marginalised by race and gender around the world — this is just the beginning.

To read our full AMAKA-Zine, click here.