Generosity transcends mere giving. It's a profound force for change, empowerment, and shaping a brighter future. As AWEC alumnae unveil their giving motives in the End-of-Year Giving Campaign, we witness the transformative influence of collective benevolence. The AWEC End of Year Giving Campaign is an occasion for our remarkable community to reflect on their AWEC experiences and contribute to a cause that has profoundly impacted them. This initiative stands as a testament to the profound impact AWEC has made on its alumnae, fostering a sense of community and a steadfast commitment to ensuring the program's success. Join us as we explore the motives propelling them to pay it forward.

AWEC: Can you share your AWEC experience and how it inspired your decision to give back to the program?

Mercy Barasa:  I had a valuable and enriching experience as an AWEC fellow, and the opportunity to give back was an easy decision for me. I believe that even a small contribution can significantly benefit another woman, helping her enhance her business skills, knowledge, and financial position. The experience was so positive that I want to give back, intending to continue this every year.

Virginia Sibanda: I believe in giving back as nothing truly comes for free; someone has enabled my progress. During my time in AWEC, though it felt free for me, I acknowledged the unseen contributors. The necessity for others to benefit from this platform drove my commitment to its continuity.

Kundai Moyo: I give back to support women in acknowledgment of the assistance I received in my career. It's my commitment to helping others as much as possible.

Francess Ofili: I usually call it my ‘mini MBA’ because attending a formal school would have been costly in terms of time and money. The effort put into bringing in speakers and assigning thoughtful tasks made me reflect deeply. It went beyond the simple concepts of buying, selling, or production. For me, giving back is my way of repaying what I consider my "unpaid school fees." If I've gained something for free, I believe in finding ways to help others access the same knowledge or experiences.

Maryam Darwich: I take pride in being part of the AWEC community. My way of giving back is never saying no to requests, whether it's participating in a session or providing financial support. I believe it's the least I can do. As my business grows, I aspire to contribute more to AWEC, enabling them to impact more women's lives as they did for me. Entrepreneurship isn't always a readily available path, and AWEC's role in instilling confidence and providing guidance is something I'm grateful for, as it has empowered me to believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Nobandla Gobodo: I give back to AWEC because the program offered crucial guidance during a challenging time, fostering a supportive sisterhood. Facing personal and business changes, the program helped shift my focus toward building a sustainable venture. Transformative assignments, like the MIFC, improved processes and digital marketing, contributing to significant business growth. Grateful for AWEC's impact, I am dedicated to supporting them in various ways, acknowledging the unique and unmatched nature of the program in fostering personal and professional growth.

AWEC: How has your decision to give back to AWEC affected your sense of community?

Mercy Barasa: Giving comes with an AWEC badge that serves as a constant reminder of community support. Entrepreneurs build a supportive network through shared experiences and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging.

Virginia Sibanda: Engaging with the AWEC community helped me get onto LinkedIn and connected me with influential individuals, contributing to positive outcomes like gaining two business leads. This experience enhanced my willingness to share and learn from other women, fostering a sense of community that has influenced my approach to business.

Kundai Moyo: Being active in both the Zimbabwe and Malawi groups, I find the community invaluable for seeking advice and overcoming challenges. Through AWEC, I learned the power of diverse perspectives, realizing that insights from various businesses can be applied universally. The network has boosted my confidence, enabling me to approach business strategically and share insights with other women. 

AWEC: Why is cultivating a culture of alumnae giving crucial for AWEC's sustained success, and how can we ensure this spirit is consistently fostered across cohorts?

Maryam Darwich: Positioning ourselves as integral to AWEC's growth is crucial to avoid dependency issues. Giving time, effort, and resources for collective improvement was a key message from my journey in Cohort 1. I appreciate that there's no pressure for significant financial contributions, allowing us to give what we can comfortably manage. I believe that continuing this inclusive approach will sustain engagement and support within AWEC. The current balance feels right, and I find it wonderful.

Nobandla Gobodo:  AWEC's flexible giving options, during the General Assembly in Kenya, including going beyond financial contributions, accommodated different preferences and aligned well with individual circumstances. Witnessing the impact of AWEC's initiatives during graduation solidified the idea that alumnae giving is an opportunity to give back for the invaluable knowledge gained. The sense of community endures beyond graduation, with alumnae actively participating in group activities and discussions.

Francess Ofili: In terms of manifesting giving back, I appreciate the absence of financial pressure and how AWEC explains that even small amounts can make a significant impact. Skill-based giving is another viable option [that AWEC offers], considering potential financial constraints.

AWEC: What was your giving process like?

Mercy Barasa: Giving comes with an AWEC badge that serves as a constant reminder of community support. Entrepreneurs build a supportive network through shared experiences and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging.

Maryam Darwich:  It was easy. I liked the fact that it could also be deducted from our allocated stipend because, in a way, you've already spent the money.

Kundai Moyo: I've used the website to make donations during the giving month typically using a Visa card.