MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Receipts and payments accounts | 6 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 10 |
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1144255
Principal address 10 Howard Road Cambridge CB5 8QP United Kingdom
Trustees
Pontso Mafethe (Chair) Claire Mathonsi (Deputy Chair) Melissa Woodward (Treasurer) Catherine Kiama Shannon Sutton Gaye Sowe Anouka van Eerdewijk Joy Indekhwa Anangwe - New Board, (Appointed 22 May 202 4 ) Fahreen Chudasama - New Board, (Appointed 22 May 202 4 )
Independent examiner Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
Structure & Recruitment of Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for ensuring adequate governance and are recruited via an application and interview process. Trustees serve for three years, and the Chair is appointed on an annual basis. The Board of Trustees meets at least three times per year to discuss strategic, operational, and financial matters.
Principal Activities and Objectives
MEWC is an African woman-led organization which serves as an information, research and training platform. Formed in 2010, the overarching goal of the organization is to ensure that African women and girls have access to information, tools and easy to use data to facilitate their equal and meaningful participation in policy dialogue with public and private institutions.
Our main activities are enacted through our online portal, which provides information, resources and guidance to women's organisations, grassroots movements and activists working on the ground to empower women and girls. We provide African women with a platform for sharing ideas, learning and creating linkages to build and establish female leaders in Africa. Through monitoring the participation and representation of women in national and local politics, we produce multiple reports which audit the status and condition of women in each African country. MEWC also implements training to build the capacity of African women.
VISION: A just, peaceful and inclusive world where women in all their diversity and men have equal rights, enjoy equal opportunity and participate equally.
MISSION : To generate cutting edge research and easy to use data, knowledge and tools based on feminist principles to strengthen the work of women’s rights movements towards advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Africa.
Our goal is to ensure that African women and girls have a strong voice in all governance institutions, from the judiciary to the civil service, as well as in the private sector and civil society, so that they can participate fully and equally in public dialogue and in making the decisions that will determine the future of their families, communities and countries..
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Highlights from 2023 include: -
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Workshop/Training on Regional and International Human Rights Instruments on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: In partnership with Equality Now/ UNDP, MEWC facilitated a series of capacity-building workshops which started in in 2022 through 2023, targeting the secretariats of the target Regional Economic Communities, regional parliamentary networks, civil society organizations, and journalists working to advance women’s rights in Africa
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Mapping Women’s Groups Organisations in Francophone West Africa: In partnership with FJS/AWDF, MEWC carried out a study to map women’s rights organisations across eight (8) francophone West African countries. The work started in January 2022 and officially ended in January 2023. We did an average of 300 interviews in each of the eight countries. The project was an incredible learning journey for MEWC and was an excellent opportunity to create a great network in the eight countries.
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Maputo Protocol 20th Anniversary Celebration & Report: As part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, MEWC was commissioned by the Solidarity for the African Women’s Rights to develop the 20th anniversary report. This report was launched in Nairobi in July, as part of the celebration of the protocol's two decades of existence. It was an exciting event that gathered over 700 individuals from different parts of the continent, including government officials, UN agencies, CSOs, INGOs, and more. MEWC played a crucial role in the planning of the celebration and participating in various panels and high-level side events where we had the chance to showcase the work of MEWC.
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Webinar: "Increasing Young Women's Participation in Subnational Politics in Africa," featuring an incredible lineup of expert & experienced speakers! As part of our mission to promote women's political participation in politics, leadership and decision-making, MEWC organised a live webinar on Twitter on the 17th November to bring a regional perspective to the conversation, specifically targeting internet-savvy young feminists and activists. We aimed to help them strategise and visualise paths for participation that extend beyond top national roles such as MPs. Our focus also included party leadership, campaign teams, local councils, town leadership, and state government. By advocating for inclusive power at grassroots levels, we ensure there's existing female leadership at subnational levels to bolster campaigns and consolidate support of women aspiring to higher positions like parliamentary or presidential roles. The webinar was a resounding success, attracting over 200 participants.
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Launch of the Mapping Study of Women’s groups in Francophone West Africa: MEWC supported AWDF to plan the launch of the mapping report, which took place at the XOESE Francophone Feminist Forum in the final week of November 2023. MEWC assisted the AWDF team in conceptualising and designing the session flow, building upon an existing concept note. They also helped in identifying, briefing, and coordinating panellists and facilitators ahead of the session, and in preparing presentation materials and speaking points. MEWC presented the key findings of the report at the forum, where it was well received by the participants. Plans are underway for a follow-up online launch of the report.
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Funding and Resources updates:
- In 2023, we faced some significant difficulties stemming from the cancellation of two major projects, which created a substantial hole in our budget. Despite the fact that both projects were well underway, our partners unfortunately ran out of funds, leading them to make the tough decision to terminate the initiatives. This abrupt halt not only affected our financial stability but also had a severe impact on the overall operations of MEWC. The cancellation meant that we lost valuable resources and time invested in these projects, and it set back our goals for the year. As a result, we have been re-evaluating our strategies and seeking new funding opportunities to prevent similar situations in the future. We have also recruited two new board members who have expertise on fundraising to assist the team in this process.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees seek to ensure the long-term financial viability of the organisation. In doing so they consider the perceived operating risks, strategic objectives, and the required level of unrestricted funds. The charity holds two categories of reserves: Unrestricted Funds and Restricted Funds. At the end of 2023, total funds stood at £4,354 on a receipts and payments basis. Of this £6,597 are unrestricted funds. The restricted reserves are in deficit as expenditure exceeds income for the year ended 31 December 2023. The restricted fund is continuing after the year end and if it is still in deficit then the charity will move funds from the unrestricted funds to cover the deficit.
Operating Results
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and the surplus for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to a deficit of £16,605 (2022: deficit £24,457).
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25th October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
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…………………………………………………….
Melissa Woodward (Treasurer)
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 set out on pages six to ten.
This report is made solely to the charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and charity’s Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Helen Blundell LLB FCA FCIE DChA Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
Date: 29 October 2024
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund £ £ Receipts Donations 46 - Grants 62,687 18,618 Total Receipts 62,733 18,618 Payments Independent examination and Accounting 4,168 - Bank Charges (1,573) - Consultancy 17,466 - Hotels 1,249 - Employee Costs Media and Entertaining Other Expenses 43,171 240 173 17,352 - 1,417 Printing, Postage and Stationery - - Rent 2,726 - Report Design - - Subscription 4,590 1,572 Website, Media and IT - 765 Total Payments 76,850 21,106 Net of receipts/(payments) (14,117) (2,488) Transfer - - CASH FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY 2023 20,714 245 CASH FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 6,597 (2,243) |
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|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund £ £ Cash Funds Cash at Bank 6,597 (2,243) Current Assets Other Debtors - 73 Current Liabilities Other Creditors and accruals 4,922 - |
2023 £ 4,354 73 4,922 |
2022 £ 20,959 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | ||||
| 3,176 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 25th October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
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.............................................
Melissa Woodward (Treasurer)
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
Legal status of the Charity
Make Every Woman Count is a charity constituted under the governing document 'Settlement' in England, whose registered office and primary place of business 10 Howard Road, Cambridge, CB5 8QP, United Kingdom. It has no share capital. Its principal activities are to support charitable organisations and general areas of charitable activity which would have been in keeping with the founder of the Trust.
Income
All income is recognised in Receipts and Payments once the charity has received funds.
Expenditure
All payments are recognised in the Receipts and Payments Accounts when it is paid.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Trustees' expenses
2023 2022 £ £ - - Trustees' expenses
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3. STAFF COSTS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 60,523 | 51,427 |
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Average number of employees | 2 | 2 |
| No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. |
4. FUNDS ANALYSIS
| Balance at 01/01/2023 Income Expenditure Balance 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ Unrestricted Funds General Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Total Unrestricted Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Restricted Funds Communication Project 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Restricted Funds 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Funds 20,959 81,351 (97,956) 4,354 |
Balance at 01/01/2023 Income Expenditure Balance 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ Unrestricted Funds General Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Total Unrestricted Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Restricted Funds Communication Project 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Restricted Funds 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Funds 20,959 81,351 (97,956) 4,354 |
Balance at 01/01/2023 Income Expenditure Balance 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ Unrestricted Funds General Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Total Unrestricted Funds 20,714 62,733 (76,850) 6,597 Restricted Funds Communication Project 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Restricted Funds 245 18,618 (21,106) (2,243) Total Funds 20,959 81,351 (97,956) 4,354 |
|---|---|---|
| (2,243) | ||
| 4,354 |
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
RESTRICTED FUND DESCRIPTIONS
SOAWR Communication Secretariat
The project was funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) through Solidarity for African Women’s Rights and Equality Now. This is a 3-4-year project which started in June 2020 and is renewable each year. MEWC acts as the communication secretariat for the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (a network of over 60 organisations working on the ratification, domestication and the implementation of the Maputo Protocol). We receive funds to manage the network's communication (website, social media, events, etc).
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