MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Account2nts 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 2024 Page Report of the Trustees 1 to5 Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and payments accounts Statement of assets and liabilities Notes to the Financial Statements 9t011
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1144255 Principal address 10 Howard Road Cambridge CB5 8QP United Kingdom Trustees Pontso Mafethe (Chair) (Resigned 7 September 2024) Claire Mathonsi (Deputy Chair) (Deased March 2025) Anouka van Eerdewijk (Acting Chair June 2025) Melissa Woodward (Treasurer) Catherine Kiama Shannon Sutton Gaye Sowe (Resigned May 2025) Joy Indekhwa Anangwe - New Board, (Appointed 22 May 2024) Fahreen Chudasama New Board. (Appointed 22 May 2024. Resigned 8 May 2025) Independent examiner Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG Page 1
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis. Structure & Recruitment of Trustees The Trustees are responsible for ensuring adequate govemance 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 founded in 2010, shortly after the launch of the African Women's Decade. It serves as a platfomi for information sharing, research, and training for women's rights. The organisation is dedicated to ensuring they have access to the knowledge. tools, and user-friendly data necessary for meaningful and equitable participation in policy dialogues with both public and private institutions. Make Every Woman Count (MEWC) stepped into this space not to replicate what others were already doing or to chase donors, agendas, but to address a critical gap that had been consistently overlooked: the need for research. documentation. and knowledge production to drive meaningful change. This realisation came to us with the launch of the African Women's Decade 2010-2020, a moment that marked a pivotal opportunity to make a real impact. We saw that women's groups and CSOS were out there doing incredible work. and we thought. "Let's give them the solid info and actionable insights they need to supercharge their efforts.. Our goal wasn't just about filling a gap,. it was about handing these trailblazers the information, tools and data to focus on what they do best: shaking things up and creating lasting change. From the outset, we committed ourselves to monitoring the progress of the decade and providing essential insights that would help women's organizations and CSOS lo hold their governments accountable. However. accountability is just the beginning. Let's face it, change doesn't happen when half of the population is sidelined and their full polential unlapped. A fairer, more peaceful, and inclusive society doesn't happen by Chanclt'S built when men and women collaborate as equals to overcome challenges and drive progress. We firmly believe that true equality goes beyond mere representation,. it ensures that women are not only present but have an equal voi in decision-making. be it in politics, business. or within local communities. VISION: We strive for a society where equality isn't just an aspiration but a standard. A world where women have an equal seat at every table, contributing fully to decisions that shape our political, social, and economic landscapes. MISSION: They say, "Knowledge is power," and we're here to ensure that power reaches its full potential. Our mission is simple yet critiGal= to bridge the gap in research and documentation, because meaningful change requires access to the right infomalion. We take on the heavy lifting, freeing women's groups and civil society organizations to focus on creating real impact. With the right knowledge, they can shift public opinion. reform policies, and ensure women take centre stage in building a better world for themselves and their community. Page 2
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Highlights from 2024 include: Policy Brief on Women Mediators in West Africa: MEWC developed a policy paper that not only recognises but also celebrates the pivotal role of women as catalysts of peace in West Africa. This comprehensive policy brief meticulously documents the significant advancements achieved in promoting peace, while thoughtfully proposing well-considered strategies aimed at enhancing the vital inclusion of women as peace mediators and facilitators across the regions. Launch of the Policy Brief at the UN CSO Summit in Nairobi To amplify our message and share our findings globally, we submitted an application to host a session at the United Nations Civil Society Organization (UN CSO) Summit. Our proposal included a panel discussion featuring a diverse array of voices to further explore and advocate for the critical role women play in peace processes. We were thrilled when our session was selected from a competitive field of contributions, marking a significant opportunity to advance our mission. In May 2024, we proudly launched our policy brief on women, peace, and security durrng the UN CSO Summit in Nairobi. This document not only acknowledges but also lebrateS the pivotal role of women as catalysts of peace in West Africa. The launch was a remarkable success, bringing together an experienced panel from each region of the continent to discuss the political tensions, conflicts and crisis across Africa. We had a room full of experts who shared their insights and experiences related to our policy briefs focus areas. Pan African Leadership Sawubona . MEWC in collaboration with six other partners across Africa collectively organised the Pan African Leadership Sawubona which was a high level hybrid convention held in July 2024 during the African Union Head of States Summit.. The meeting brought political leaders, Pan-African scholars, feminist leadership practitioners, theorists, philanthropists, policymakers, diplomats, global leaders, women human rights defenders, activists, movements. young feminists, people with disability and other. This high-level engagement offered a plafform to collectively rethink and reimagine govemance, leadership and women's political agency on the continent in the drive toward the Africa We Want. The engagement critically examined and discussed strategies for re-centring African women's agency and leadership in the political and decision-making processes across the continent. Intemational Women's Day Celebration: Each year, MEWC launches a unique campaign aimed at sharing our perspective, amplifying the voices of our followers, and celebrating African women-both as individuals and as a collective for for change. These campaigns highlight the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the continent, addressing critical issues that affect their lives and futures. For the 2025 International Women's Day, MEWC hosted a powerful and impactful podcast series centered around Article 9 of the Maputo Protocol: Women's Rights to Participation in Politics and Decision-making. The series featured a diverse group of inspiring young female leaders from across Africa. who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in the realm of political engagement. Through these candid conversations, the podcast explored the current state of women's political participation on the continent, delving into the balerS they face and the innovative strategies needed to foster meaningful progress. This initiative not only amplified their voices but also aimed to inspire action, spark dialogue, and contribute to the broader movement for gender equality in political and decision-making spas. Page 3
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Highlights from 2024 include (continued): A Gap Analysis on Women Property Rights in Statutory Law and Customary Law & Practice in the Africa Region.. MEWC worked in partnership with the Irene M. Staehelin (IMS) Foundation, a new Foundation based in Switzerland. The gap analysis report will delve into examining and identifying barriers in laws that impact women's property rights in specific countries. Identifying opportunities for advocacy with regional bodies like SADC, E4C, ECOWAS, the African Union, ASEAN, SELA. and similar groups. Pinpointing non-state actors driving legal reforms for women's rights. Addressing discriminatory practices in property rights under customary laws and engaging stakeholders for change on a broad scale. Monitoring Women's Political Participation in Africa: We were featured in the Guardian alongside other incredible women leaders and politicians from across the continent. This recognition highlighted our work in monitoring women's participation in politics across Africa, a mission we have been passionately pursuing Sin 2011. Our election monitoring efforts have focused on understanding the challenges and progress women face in political spaces, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized. This milestone was particularly significant as we concluded the year having monitored over 20 elections across the continent. These elections provided valuable insights into how women are performing in political roles and the strides being made toward greater gender inclusivity in govemance. It is a testament to the collective effort required to build a more equal political landscape. Funding and Resources updates: In 2024, we encountered significant challenges following the cancellation of two major projects. which left a notable gap in our budget. Although both initiatives were well underway, our partners unfortunately faced financial difficulties. forcing them to make the difficult decision to terminate the projects. This abrupt halt not only disrupted our financial stability but also impacted the overall operations at MEWC. The cancellations resulted in the loss of valuable resources. time, and progress toward achieving our annual goals. Additionally, several grant commitments we were relying on fell through. further compounding the situation. In response to the above, we have taken proactive steps to address these setbacks. We have been reevaluating our strategies. exploring new funding opportunities. and implementing measures to prevent similar challenges in the future. To strengthen our efforts, we have also welcomed two new board members with extensive expertise in fundraising, who will play a critical role in guiding us through this process. Page 4
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Reserves Policy The Trustees seek to ensure the long term financial viability of Ihe 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 2024, total funds stood at £6,425 on a receipts and payments basis. Of this £7,762 are unrestricted funds. The restricted reserves are in deficit as expenditure exceeded income in the prior year and there was only a slight surplus for the year ended 31 December 2024. The restricted fund is continuing after the year end and if it is still in deficit on completion of the agreement, then the charity will move funds from the unrestricted fvnd to cover the defiGit. Overall, the total funds are adequate to ensure that the organisation can continue to operate as a going concern. Operating Results The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and the surplus for the year ended 31 December 2024 amounted to a surplus of £2.071 (2023.. deficit £16.605). Approved by order of the board of trustees on 1511012025 and signed on its behalf by.. Melissa Woodward Page 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set oul on pages seven to eleven. This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body. in accordan 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 l 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 charitys 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: examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act 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 to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordan 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.. (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that. in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and 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 FCA Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG Date: 16 September 2025 Page 6
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Notes Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Receipts Donations Grants 2.875 2.875 46 Total Receipts Payments Independent Examination and Accounting Bank Charges Consultancy Hotels Employee Costs Media and Entertaining Other Expenses Printing, Postage and Stationery Rent Report Design Subscription Travel Website. Media and IT 4,207 658 3,128 4,207 346 3,128 4,168 {1,573} 17,466 1,249 60,523 240 1.590 (312) 30,195 22.527 52,722 30 30 2,726 745 415 1,619 745 1,966 1,619 542 1,551 6,162 4,640 765 542 Total Payments Net of receiptsl(payments) 1,164 907 2,071 (16,605) Transfer CASH FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY 2024 CASH FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 The notes fom part of these financial statements Page 7
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT STATEMENT OF ASss AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Notes Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund 2024 2023 Cash Funds Cash at Bank Current Assets Other Debtors Current Liabilities Other Creditors and accruals The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on were signed on its behalf by= 1511012025 and Page 8
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 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 Offi 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 On 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. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 Dember 2023. Trustees. expenses 2024 2023 Trustees, expenses Page 9
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 52,722 60,523 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Average number of employees No employees reiVed emoluments in excess of £60.000. FUNDS ANALYSIS Balance at 0110112024 Income Expendlture Balance 3111212024 Unrestricted Funds General Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Communication Project Total Restricted Funds Total Funds Page 10
MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 RESTRICTED FUND DESCRIPTIONS SOAWR Communication Secretsriat The project was funded by the Swedish Intemational Development Agency (SIDA) through Solidarity for African Women's Rights and Equality Now. This is a 34-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). Page 11