Finance & Fund Raising

The CAFRA Programme of Work 2002-2006 was circulated to members, along with a Project Proposal for the period 2004-2006. The proposal seeks to raise US$635,150 over a three-year period for a comprehensive Research, Advocacy, Training and Documentation Programme.

The Programme of Work seeks to:

1. Influence policy on gender and trade issues
2. Advocate for the eradication of poverty
3. Build awareness among women on the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and their role in maintaining healthy lifestyles
4. Implement intervention and prevention strategies for the eradication of violence against women
5. Research the situation of women in the labour force
6. Stimulate the participation of women in politics and decision making
7. Research the situation of young men and women in the region from their perspectives
8. Attract young women to the women’s movement
9. Develop the skill capacity of CAFRA at staff, board and national committee level
10. To expand the CAFRA membership base 11. Support and strengthen other women’s organisations towards building the regional women’s movement
11. Build women’s awareness as to the issues affecting them and their causes
12. Implement an effective public relations programme to give visibility to the organisation and disseminate its work and other resources

There is a need to find creative ways to raise the required funds to implement this programme. The Finance and Investment Committee is aware of the situation and is working on approaches to fund raising.

The immediate need is to get institutional support such as given by HIVOS. This organisation has withdrawn from the region, but provided almost 50% of the funding for the CAFRA building as a “farewell gift”

Heinrich Boll Foundation

The Heinrich Boll Foundation (HBF) has funded CAFRA for many years. The last Cooperation Agreement ended in December 2004. HBF has indicated that for the new Cooperation Agreement, funding will be reduced by more than one half the normal amount. However, CAFRA is “fortunate” to still receive some support, as most agencies are now withdrawing from the region.