**Annual Report and Accounts for the Period Ending 31 December 2020** 



|**CONTENTS**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Letter from the Chair**|**3**||
|**Legal and Administrative Information**|**5**||
|**Our Mission and Vision**|**6**||
|**Our Charitable Objectives**|**7**||
|**Our Values**|**8**||
|**Our Innovation**|**9**||
|**Our Strategy**|**10**||
|**Financial Review**|**16**||
|**Statement of Trustee Responsibilities**|**17**||
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**18**||
|**Balance Sheet**|**19**||
|**Notes to the Accounts**|**20**||
|||2|



2 



## **Letter from the Chair** 

In 2020, the world faced immeasurable challenges caused by the spread of Covid-19 and health, economic, and societal impacts that are still unfolding.  Media Matters for Women (MMW) did not escape the impact of the pandemic, but our focus and innovation allowed the MMW team to turn challenges into opportunities to strengthen our effectiveness and commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in rural communities in Sierra Leone. 

When the national government in Sierra Leone declared a pandemic emergency and ordered a national lockdown of the entire country, almost immediately MMW lost use of its 15 Listening Centers that until then had served as the primary location for women and girls to gather, listen to and discuss MMW podcasts that are the lifeline of news and vital information for rural populations.  This was a severe blow.  Undeterred, within days MMW-Sierra Leone assessed the situation and pivoted its operations--hiring Town Criers to deliver MMW podcasts to rural communities, strengthening MMW’s broadcast reach via local and national radio, and using its effective outreach efforts to bring podcasts to new locations including women’s detention facilities and vocational schools.  At the start of the pandemic, MMW podcasts reached 28,000 direct listeners over six months.  Today, that number has grown to over 50,000 _per month_ with requests arriving every day from new rural communities that want to be a part of the MMW network.  This turnabout is entirely due to the determination and resilience of the team in Sierra Leone—they are remarkable. 

In the UK, MMW faced the challenge of banks refusing to open new accounts while focusing on COVID commercial loans and online banks shying away from opening accounts that made transfers to “high risk” developing countries.  As a result, we were unable to raise money in the UK and donor funding was instead channeled through our sister organizations in the United States and Sierra Leone.  (This was resolved in 2021 when banks began opening new accounts again). Despite this setback, MMW UK is proud to have soldiered in 2020, working with local UK partners to provide in-kind donations of resuable menstrual pads to support MMW Sierra Leone’s Period Power Project.  Over 700 pads, hand sewn by women in the UK, were donated for this important project.  As a new entity, we also focused on building partnerships and expanding our network in the UK and Europe, which we are confident will pay dividends in the future via increased donations and grants. 

MMW’s work in 2020 in Sierra Leone would not be possible without the generous support of private donors and grants from Oak Foundation, MADRE, Amplify Change, and Internews.  These monies have allowed MMW to concentrate on its core mission while strengthening the organization as it grows. MMW journalists are now participating in additional training to sharpen their skills and learn how to approach reporting on sensitive issues.  Our field staff continues to expand their outreach activities and develop additional partnerships with Community Service Organizations, government entities, and private companies in Sierra Leone who acknowledge the value of our network and want to partner with us.  Our Monitoring and Evaluation staff are working to increase the effectiveness of our data collection methods.  Most importantly, MMW is coalescing these new skills and partners into a movement that individually and collectively empowers women and girls to advocate for improvements in their own health, safety, and well-being. 

As we look ahead, significant challenges remain.  The level of sexual violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone continues to skyrocket.  Urging rural populations to become vaccinated against Covid-19 is essential to controlling the pandemic. Additionally, inspiring women to take a more active role in elections and voting is an important step in bringing greater attention to and action on women’s issues.  MMW is ready to address these challenges and ensure that every pound sterling donated directly contributes to the success of our efforts. 

3 



To each member of the MMW staff, our volunteer advisors, donors, partners, and the many others who make MMW’s efforts possible and successful, we extend our sincerest gratitude.  You continue to inspire this organization every day and your energy and commitment are the essence of MMW’s triumphs. 

Sincerely, 


Melissa (Lisa) Sebree Trustee and Board Chair Media Matters for Women UK 

4 



## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

The Trustees present their report and unaudited accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2020.  The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements. 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

Registered charity name Media Matters for Women UK Charity registration number 1185508 Registered office 10 Bedford Row London SE1 4GP Trustees Melissa Farley Sebree, Chair Anton Mifsud-Bonnici Katie Faulds Gaimin Nonyane (effective 1 January 2021) 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT** 

The Board of Trustees consists of four Trustees who continue in office until retirement or death.  New Trustees are selected by exiting Trustees and are people who have specific interest in the charity and a range of skills to enhance its development.  New trustees undergo an orientation to brief them of their legal obligations under charity law, the committee and decision-making process and recent financial activities of the charity. 

Media Matters for Women UK is a charitable incorporated organization (CIO).  It was established under a CIO Foundation Constitution which governs its activities, objectives and powers. MMW UK was registered in the United Kingdom with the UK registration number of 1185508 on 26 September 2019. 

Media Matters for Women UK partners with Media Matters for Women Sierra Leone, (MMW SL) a registered NGO located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and MMW US, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission and operations are aligned with MMW UK.  MMW SL is overseen by the Board of Trustees of MMW UK. 

5 



## **Our Mission** 

To connect women and girls— those beyond the reach of traditional media—with information and inspiration that enables them to be healthy, live safely, and fully enjoy their rights. 


**Our Vision MMW envisions a world where women and girls are in control of their rights and possess the tools to make informed decisions about their own well-being** 

6 



**Our Objectives** 

(A) To advance the education of socially and economically disadvantaged women and girls in Africa (initially in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for the public benefit, in particular, but not exclusively by, the provision of grants, training and equipment to facilitate the dissemination in remote geographic areas of information relating to: 

• women’s rights (for example, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and subsequent United Nations conventions and declarations, and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms); 

• women’s health (for example, sexual and reproductive health, family planning and gender based violence); 

- financial education; and 

• public or community health (for example, best practices and procedures to deal with communicable diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19). 

(B) To develop the capacity and skills of socially and economically disadvantaged women and girls in rural areas of Africa (initially in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society. 

7 




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We maintain<br>integrity and<br>We leave no  Our Values  We do not  We do no<br>accountability<br>one behind discriminate harm<br>beyond<br>reproach<br>We strive for<br>We are socially,<br>excellence<br>We build  financially and<br>We are  and to<br>communities environmentally<br>resilient continually<br>responsible<br>improve<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


8 



OUR INNOVATION
MMW uses innovative, low-cost and
easy-to-use technology to connect
African women with critical news
and information that enables them
to understand and fully exercise
their rights and become their own
best advocates.
Our proven Bluetooth-based network allows Last Mile women and girls, those living
beyond the reach of roads and electricity, to hear timely messages, share with one
another and join a community that begins in their village and extends across their
region.

Grounding principles drive Grounding principles drive MMW operations MMW operations and guide and guide our our decisions decisions 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
10<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




All women and girls must have equal opportunity to receive and access information that fully enables them to exercise their rights and live better lives. 

11 



MMW supports women-led organizations.  We support female journalists in developing countries who focus on the empowerment of women through innovation and information. 

12 



Rural women and girls— those out of reach of traditional infrastructure— are the most vulnerable, so MMW focuses its efforts on reaching this population first. 

13 



We remain nimble by being diverse—our distribution system adapts to on-theground circumstances to reach every listener and our podcast topics adjust to the most vital current information our listeners need and demand. 

14 



Respect and recognition in local communities is imperative to our success.  MMW develops and maintains strong relationships with citizens, local leaders, community service organizations, and other respected non-profit entities in the communities we serve.  These entities, in turn, become our strongest advocates.  We do not “drop-in” to communities.  We become a part of the communities. 

15 



## **Financial Review** 

Due to the impact of COVID on the UK banking industry, MMW UK was unable to open a bank account in 2020 (this was resolved in 2021).  As a result, all support in the UK was non-financial for the reporting period.  Despite this, MMW UK was still able to operate and have a positive impact.  During this time, MMW UK received significant pro-bono support through its Trustees as it established itself as a new UK entity.  (See Table 1 and please note that all amounts are estimates of market values of services provided.).  No other financial income was received during this time. (See Table 2)  MMW UK is grateful for the support received from individuals and foundations in the UK and US for our work in Sierra Leone.  Total cash income for 2020 was £0.  Total cash expenditure was £0. 

REPORTING PERIOD 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 – 31 DECEMBER 2020 

## RESERVES POLICY 

Table 1. IN-KIND DONATIONS & SUPPORT 

|In-kind donations &<br>pro-bono support|Amount (GBP)|
|---|---|
|Pro-bono legal advice|1000|
|Mentoring and Grant-<br>writing|5000|
|Hand-sewn reusable<br>sanitary pads|1400|
|Total|7,400|



The charity had no financial income during the period ended 31 December 2020.  However, it intends in future years to maintain low reserves and will be reliant on donors.  There will be a focus on funding and reserves moving forward in 2021.  Any reserves held by the charity at the end of the year shall be used to further the charitable objectives. 

## PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 

MMW UK has two primary goals for 2021 and beyond: 

- Growing our income 

## Table 2 FINANCIAL INCOME 

`o` We anticipate a significant increase in grant funding for 2021-2022 

- Amplifying our impact 

|Income Source|Amount(GBP)|
|---|---|
|Core Costs|0|
|Grant Funding|0|
|Donatedgoods & Services|7400|
|Total|7400|



`o` Two focus areas: 

- § Addressing the epidemic of sexual and gender based violence against women and girls in rural Sierra Leone 

- § Civic education and the power of women’s individual and collective votes as an avenue to effect policy change in the run-up to the 2023 national elections 

16 



## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBLITIES** 

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102; The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Trustees are required to prepare accounts for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year.  In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operations. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable entity.  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hance for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report. 

Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees 


Melissa Farley Sebree Chair of the Board of Trustees 31 October 2021 

17 



**Statement of Financial Activities Incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account For the period ended 31 December 2020** 

**INCOME FROM** Donations (in-kind) 7400 Grants 0 **Total Income** 7400 **EXPENDITURE ON:** Charitable Activities 7400 **Total Expenditure** 7400 

18 



## **Balance Sheet For the period ended 31 December 2020** 

**CURRENT MONETARY ASSETS 26 SEPT 2019 31 DEC 2020 Debtors** 0 0 **Cash at bank** 0 0 **Creditors** 0 0 **Total Assets** 0 **FUNDS Unrestricted income funds** 0 0 **Restricted income funds** 0 0 **TOTAL FUNDS** 0 

19 



Trustee responsibilities: 

- The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question; and 

- The Trustees and directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Charity Commission with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. 

These accounts were approved by the Trustees and authorized for issue on 20 October 2021 and are signed on their behalf by 


Melissa Farley Sebree Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Charity Registration Number:  1185508 

The notes on page 21 form part of these Accounts 

20 



Notes to the Accounts – For the period ended 31 December 2020 

## **ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of Accounting** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities:  Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), effective 1 January 2015 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). 

## **Public Benefit** 

The charity constituted a public benefit entity during the period. 

## **Going concern** 

These accounts are prepared on a going concern basis. 

## **Accounting period** 

The reporting period to 31 December 2020 is 15 months commencing on 26 September 2019 when the charity was established in the UK. 

## **Donated goods and services** 

Donated goods and services are recognized as income when; 

- The charity has entitlement over the economic benefits that flow from the donation; 

- It is probably the associated economic benefits will flow to the entity; and 

- Their value can be measured reliably. 

Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity.  For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such goods and services.  A corresponding amount is recognized in expenditure within the relevant expense category. 

21 




**Media Matters for Women UK 1185508 Receipts and payments accounts For the period** 29/09/2019 31/12/2020 **To from** 

## **Section A Receipts and payments** 

|**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest      £**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest      £**|**Restricted funds**<br>**to the nearest £**|**Restricted funds**<br>**to the nearest £**|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest £**|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest £**|**Total funds**<br>**to the nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|<br>**No receipts during thisperiod**|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for AR)_|**-**||**-**||**-**||**Zero**|
|||||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**<br>**(see table).**||||||||
|<br>None|**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**||||||**-**|
|**_Total receipts_**<br>**A3 Payments**||||||||
||||||||**Zero**|
|||||||||
|<br>Nopayments duringthisperiod|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**||**-**||**-**||**Zero**|
|||||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment**<br>**purchases, (see table)**||||||||
|**Nopurchases during thisperiod**|**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**||||||**Zero**|
|**_Total payments_**<br>**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**<br>**A5 Transfers between funds**<br>**A6 Cash funds last year end**<br>**_Cash funds this year end_**||||||||
||||||||**Zero**|
|||||||||
||**-**||||||**Zero**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**-**||||||**Zero**|



CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 

29/10/2021 

1 



## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period** 

|**Categories**<br>**B2 Other monetary assets**<br>**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**<br>**_Total cash funds_**<br>(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))<br>no monetary assets<br>No cash funds during this period<br>**Details**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**zero**<br>#VALUE!<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|**Restricted funds**<br>**to nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**zero**|
||||#VALUE!|
||||**Restricted funds**<br>**to nearest £**|
||no monetary assets|**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|



|**B5 Liabilities**<br>**B3 Investment assets**<br>**B4 Assets retained for the**<br>**charity’s own use**|**Details**<br>No investment assets during this period<br>**Details**<br>No assets retained during this period<br>**Details**<br>No liabilities during this period|**Fund to which asset**<br>**belongs**<br>**Fund to which asset**<br>**belongs**<br>**Fund to which**<br>**liability relates**|**Cost (optional)**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Cost (optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Amount due**<br>**(optional)**|
||No liabilities during this period||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|



Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees 

## Signature 


Print Name 

Melissa Sebree 

CCXX R2 accounts (SS) 

29/10/2021 

2 




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## **to the nearest £** 

**n/a** 

**n/a** 

**n/a** 

**n/a n/a n/a - - n/a** 

CCXX R3 accounts (SS) 

29/10/2021 

3 



## **Endowment funds to nearest £** 

**zero** 

zero **Endowment funds to nearest £** 

**-** 

**Current value (optional)** 

**-** 

**Current value (optional)** 

**-** 

**When due (optional)** 

## Date of approval 

19-Oct-21 

CCXX R4 accounts (SS) 

29/10/2021 

4