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) (De￿ased 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
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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 Chanc￿lt'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.
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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 ba￿lerS 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 spa￿s.
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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.
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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
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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 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
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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
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MAKE EVERY WOMAN COUNT
STATEMENT OF ASs￿s 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
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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 De￿mber 2023.
Trustees. expenses
2024
2023
Trustees, expenses
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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 re￿iVed 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
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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).
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