Woman Afrique Launches New Site

The revamping of the WomanAfrique.com Resource Centre is well under way.  On October 28, the Woman Afrique Page, an open discussion forum, was launched on FaceBook, along with the Dede Forum, a closed group that is still in the process of being assembled. Both forums have been set up to provide an outlet for African women and those who care about them to discuss issues directly affecting them as a group. On November 13, the News & Info link was made accessible as well.

According to Woman Afrique founder, Maria Kwami Gwira, the purpose of this entire project is to meet a need that exists within this community of bringing together voices of African women scattered all over the world, who are feeling the urge to DO SOMETHING about the prevailing poverty, sickness, ignorance and disease that have come to symbolize the outlook of the majority of African women, no matter where they live.

“It isn’t so much that there aren’t organizations out there sincerely trying to help us move ahead as a group, but isn’t it about time we did for ourselves what other people are trying to do for us? They couldn’t possibly love us more than we love ourselves… or could they? Should they?”

Woman Afrique was initially set up in 2001, but floundered due to what its founder calls “lack of enthusiasm” from its target audience. The rejuvenated site will feature breaking news, profiles, and blogs of relevance to African women, as well as numerous links and contact information to mostly free resources that are needed within this community.

Gwira says she is not concerned about the possibility that her site may drive traffic to other locations. “Woman Afrique cannot expect to know all the answers, because that is not the purpose of this resource, but we will know how to get you the answers you need by pointing you in the right direction. That is the point of this resource, to be the place where African women gravitate to when they need help solving a problem that is hindering their well-being.”

Her main hope? That the people for whom this resource is being set up would actually use it to their benefit. “This is not a concert. People should not expect to sit down and watch, participation is key,” she stressed.

Submissions may be sent for consideration using the contact link in the top navigation bar of the web site.