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ONLINE PLENARY - OPEN TO ALL
Power and the Role of Philanthropy
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For far too long, power has existed within a top-down paradigm. Now, we see shifts towards more distributed models that root agency in individuals and groups of changemakers. In the wake of COVID 19, governments have exercised an increased use of central power while communities are illustrating the incredible potential of resilient organizations and local action. As we confront the long-term impact of the current crisis on the power distribution in society, we must seize the opportunity this crisis creates. We must rethink the way power is leveraged and distributed, first within the philanthropic sector, then with other actors of social change. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the limited adaptations in power distribution, the alternative and innovative ways to shift power dynamics and harness unrecognized power for social justice and the greater good.
Join us from 13.00 - 14.45 UTC on 24 November to explore how the philanthropic field needs to address and transform imbalanced power dynamics within the sector and beyond, many of which continue to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Hear from a panel of thought leaders on how power plays out in the philanthropic and nonprofit world, and what the strategies and practices are that can begin to shift these dynamics.
The open-access plenary session will be followed by exclusive workshops for WINGS members. These will have up to 10 participants from across the WINGS network. There will be workshops covering both Eastern and Western time zones.
WINGS AT 20
We’re kicking off the WINGSForum Virtual Summit series with a bang to celebrate WINGS twentieth anniversary! Before our panel event, you’ll have the chance to hear some short creative snapshots from a couple of special friends of WINGS on what the IMAGINE theme means to them. We’ll then take you on a mini-tour around the world as we hear about the importance of philanthropy from our global network before we dive into the exciting plenary discussion. We hope you’re there to help us raise a glass to WINGS at 20!
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Join us to explore how the philanthropic field needs to address and transform imbalanced power dynamics within the sector and beyond, many of which continue to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Hear from a panel of thought leaders on how power plays out in the philanthropic and nonprofit world, and what the strategies and practices are that can begin to shift these dynamics.
JESSICA HORN
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Jessica Horn has worked for two decades across civil society, multilateral and donor platforms to advance women’s rights with a focus on health and freedom from violence. Jessica is former Director of Programmes for the African Women’s Development Fund. She currently chairs the Program Committee on the Fund for Global Human Rights board and is a Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health.
AKWASI AIDOO
Dr. Akwasi Aidoo is a philanthropy professional, rights and peace advocate, and poet. He is Senior Fellow at Humanity United, and was the founding Executive Director of TrustAfrica. His previous roles include head of the health sciences program of the International Development Research Center’s office for West and Central Africa, Director of Ford Foundation’s West Africa office, and Director of Ford Foundation’s Special Initiative for Africa. Akwasi serves on the Boards of Human Rights Watch, International Development Research Centre, and many more international organizations. Akwasi has also taught at universities in Ghana, Tanzania and the USA.
MAURICE MAKOLOO
Maurice Makoloo is the Ford Foundation's representative in Eastern Africa, overseeing all grant making in the region from Ford's office in Nairobi. Maurice has worked to advance progressive reforms and secure rights and opportunities for all people in the region. His priorities have encompassed strengthening democracy and the efficacy of local civic organizations; addressing gender inequalities, particularly pertaining to low-income women; improving livelihood opportunities for rural and urban poor people
