Empowering women in Africa

Africa is the second largest continent on earth, home to nearly 1.5 billion people. Around 731 million of them are women and girls. 

Women throughout Africa play multifaceted roles in society and contribute significantly to family life, the economy and community development. They embody a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and aspirations, showcasing resilience and determination as they pursue progress and equality.

Across Africa, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, advocating for rights, empowering communities, and contributing to the continent's growth and development. 

Even so, life for women in the Sahel — a region that stretches 5,900 km from western to eastern Africa — is not easy. 

Women in this region have limited access to education, opportunities and resources. They are often marginalised by their communities, exploited through early marriage and face obstacles in caring for their children. Many are illiterate.

Women of Impact Africa, a ministry of OM, is working to change this reality. 

Empowering women to live as vibrant followers

Working in more than 12 countries, the ministry’s vision is to see women across Africa living as vibrant followers of Jesus. 

They say, “We have seen that when a woman is completely empowered to know her identity in Jesus, and that she does have value, skills and abilities, she is able to bring great impact to the community around her. We are sharing the love of Jesus with the most vulnerable women in society through physical, spiritual, and economic empowerment."

Recently, 18 women from various tribes and nations across the Sahel, including Niger, Senegal, Mali, Chad and Sierra Leone, gathered for a focused time of training and spiritual input. During their time together, they discovered that they are created in God’s image and have a vital role to play in reaching women in their communities who don’t yet know Jesus.

Through discipling and mentoring sessions, the women have grown to understand their value and role in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20). They are now eager to reach other women and see more vibrant communities of Jesus followers flourish.

One woman impacted by this ministry shares her testimony. "As a woman joining my husband in missions, I didn't know what I had to offer or how to reach out to other women, but now I have discovered that I do have specific gifts and abilities that are valuable. I am now confident and equipped to be able to reach out to other women."

Safe haven

Many of the women have already passed through incredible challenges in their lives, especially those who are from a Muslim background. Some have been abused and forced from the home by their husbands. Yet, they still choose to follow Jesus and share His love with other girls and women. 

One young girl from Mali recently became a believer, but her commitment to follow Christ wasn’t received well. She was kicked out of her home and persecuted by her family. Sadly, this type of persecution is common for women in the Sahel when they become believers. 

Thankfully, the woman leader in Mali was ready to welcome and support her and the young girl is now being kept safe in the leader’s house. Thank God for women leaders who are reaching out to young girls and providing a safe place where they can be discipled and flourish as followers of Jesus.

The desire of Women of Impact Africa is to continue equipping and supporting women with practical skills, discipleship, follow up, mentoring and coaching and women conferences that provide opportunities for inner healing. “We believe that the more these indigenous women champions are empowered spiritually and practically, we will see multiplication of mature disciples through them."

There are still 200 million African women waiting to experience the love of Jesus Christ. Join us by praying, giving or practically sharing your skills at uk.om.org.