Today marks 10 years of a pioneering effort to promote sexual health and rights in Africa and South Asia. Because of AmplifyChange (www.AmplifyChange.org) -funded support for local activists in key African countries, millions now have better access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare and information and can make decisions about their bodies and their relationships. Over the past decade, AmplifyChange has invested significantly in grassroots organisations dedicated to eliminating gender-based violence, including sexual violence, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. In Kenya, more than £20.5 million has funded over 35 projects, with £5.7 million specifically targeting these critical issues. South Africa has received over £15.4 million, including £5.1 million for nearly 20 initiatives. In Nigeria, £6.8 million has been granted, with almost £2 million funding around 25 projects, while in Senegal, over £2.1 million has been allocated, including £1.8 million for nine targeted initiatives.AmplifyChange has been the transformational vehicle supported by governmental, foundation, and private-sector donors. In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark, it today celebrates its tenth-anniversary event at Eigtveds Pakhus in Copenhagen.
“The Government of Denmark was one of the founding donors that set up AmplifyChange to support locally-led groups to lead the work on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in their communities. Denmark has been a proud supporter ever since. AmplifyChange has lived up to its ambitious name and brought empowerment and life-altering changes to millions of women, girls, and local communities over the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing the cooperation,” said Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Cooperation Lotte Machon.
AmplifyChange has funded 775 civil society organisations in the last ten years, distributing over GBP 125 million in grants across 67 sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia countries. The organisation’s unique approach focuses on delivering funds directly to grassroots organisations, allowing for rapid response to community needs and efficient use of resources. Cameroon is one notable example where AmplifyChange has supported local groups like Reach Out Cameroon to address urgent SRHR issues worsened by ongoing conflict within the country, especially for women and girls. By involving men and boys in shifting social norms, challenging toxic masculinity, and reducing gender-based violence, these initiatives create a community-driven approach that supports immediate SRHR needs and builds lasting change in attitudes toward gender equality. In addition, AmplifyChange uses comprehensive impact assessment methods to track the effectiveness of its initiatives to ensure that each grant contributes to meaningful and sustainable progress in the key countries.
Local community support has been essential for initiatives like Dance Into Space (DIS), a performing arts group in Siaya, Kenya, where Artistic Director Onyango Ondiege uses “artivism” to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people with disabilities. One member, Pamela Jura, a single mother of three, advocates for women with disabilities through dance, tackling stigma and human rights violations. DIS’s “Breaking Barriers” initiative equips individuals with contemporary dance skills to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities while encouraging understanding and empathy to drive social change.
“In the past decade, AmplifyChange has proven the power of local action in addressing some of the most pressing SRHR issues worldwide,” said Dr. Narmeen Hamid, Board Chair of AmplifyChange. “Our partnerships with community organisations are at the heart of what we do, enabling local leaders to drive sustainable change and confront critical challenges that affect health and rights in their communities.”
AmplifyChange was launched in 2014 by Her Majesty The Queen of Denmark during a United Nations General Assembly session, marking the beginning of a movement dedicated to improving SRHR for underserved populations in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Through targeted funding and organisational strengthening, AmplifyChange has supported local organisations to tackle urgent issues, including gender-based violence, stigma, abortion access, youth rights, and healthcare availability for all.
“AmplifyChange’s support has allowed us to champion rights and health for LGBTIQ communities in ways that were once unimaginable,” said Anne-Marie Manga, AmplifyChange Strategic Adviser for Cameroon. “Our work brings visibility and resilience to people who are often marginalised, and it emphasises that SRHR advocacy is about dignity, health, and inclusivity for all.”
“With AmplifyChange’s partnership, we have been able to expand our reach and deepen our impact, particularly in underserved West African communities,” said Sory Ibrahima Monekata, Ph.D., Grant Director of Dambe Funds Sahel in Mali. “Their support has enabled us to implement essential programs and to build local capacity, ensuring that our advocacy and services are sustainable and rooted in the communities we serve.”
AmplifyChange’s 10th-anniversary celebration coincides with the first day of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” a fitting occasion to reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done. The organisation’s impact in advancing SRHR highlights shared values of health equity, dignity, and justice that resonate globally and especially with communities throughout Europe. AmplifyChange remains committed to broadening its support and forging new partnerships to address critical SRHR needs, building healthier and more resilient communities in the process.
Africa Fact: The Funerary Complex in the ancient Egyptian city of Saqqara is the oldest building that tourists regularly visit today. An outer wall, now mostly in ruins, surrounded the whole structure. Through the entrance are a series of columns, the first stone-built columns known to historians. The North House also has ornamental columns built into the walls that have papyrus-like capitals. Also inside the complex is the Ceremonial Court, made of limestone blocks that have been quarried and then shaped. In the centre of the complex is the Step Pyramid, the first of 90 Egyptian pyramids.
brick mooch
Fun South African Fact: It’s believed that Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world. Table mountain is approximately 260 million years old; it’s also home to thousands of species of plant life, including species unique to the Cape Floral Region. The glorious mountain is one of the world’s 7 New Natural Wonders. It is also apparently one of 12 main energy centres on the planet emitting spiritual, magnetic, and electric energies. It’s an idyllic and very popular hiking destination with hundreds of routes to explore.
Cool Iris
Fun South African Fact: The Bloukrans Bridge, Western Cape, is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world.