“An exceptional Lawyer, Activist and Feminist Icon has left us! Because she lived, the lives of many African women and girls are better, and even though she’s gone from our midst, we can stand on her shoulders to press on”, Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai, Moremi Initiative Global Programs and Partnerships Director.

Over 10 years ago, AWDF (African Women’s Development Fund), played a pivotal role in the founding of Moremi Initiative with a seed grant. This helped to gather women leaders to strategize on how to bridge leadership gaps for women and girls in Africa. With this history, the recent loss of Auntie Joana Foster, Co-Founder of AWDF is huge for us.  We are however consoled and poised to build on an incredible foundation that catalyzed the women’s movement in Africa. As a result of her bold and visionary work, organizations such as Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa are able to fulfill their mandate to “Equip, Engage and Inspire a new generation of African women leaders. 

On behalf of the Moremi Initiative Board, Fellows and partners, we extend our sincere condolence to her family, friends, AWDF and to all who feel a deep sense of loss at her passing. African women and girls are better off because of her legacy!

Earlier this year on October 27, 2016, Mrs. Rosaline Baaltuolku Obeng-Ofori who served as a longtime partner and mentor to Moremi Initiative passed away. We are grateful for the many times she stood with Moremi Initiative to “engage, equip and inspire a new generation of African Women’s Leaders.

“She deserves to be remembered, celebrated and honored for her immense contribution and impact to policy making, support to women, girls, children, and the Moremi Initiative community.  Her commitment and passion for social justice, especially for girls was unmatched….” Mawuli Dake, Co-Founder of Moremi Initiative.

Aunty Rosaline served as Program Manager at the Purdue Peace Project and was an International Gender and Human Resources Development Consultant.  She was part of the core team of leaders who facilitated the formation of the Domestic Violence (DV) Coalition in Ghana and was at the forefront of the successful mobilization for the DV legislation, the Women’s Manifesto Coalition, and Network for Women’s Rights, among others. Previously, Auntie Rosaline served as Director of Cabinet at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. She brought her expertise in women and children’s rights, capacity building, gender mainstreaming, development, and advocacy to support many social justice initiatives.

While we feel a profound sense of loss at the departure of these two dynamic, instrumental women in our history and work, we are strengthened in our resolve to keep moving forward and grow their stories and legacies!

Rest in Peace Auntie Joana Harriham Foster!  #RIPJoanaFoster

Rest in Peace Auntie Rosaline Baaltuolku Obeng Ofori!  #RIPRosalineObengOfori