Reflecting on a decade of progress, AmplifyChange celebrated its impact on marginalised communities through localised funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy initiatives across Africa and South Asia.
2024 marks 10 years of AmplifyChange’s support to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa and South Asia. Supported by governmental, foundation, and private-sector donors, AmplifyChange’s direct funding to local activists has improved sexual and reproductive health and rights through changing policies and laws, transforming social norms, and building stronger movements. As a result, communities have better access to comprehensive information and healthcare to make decisions about their bodies and their relationships.
In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark, we celebrated our tenth anniversary event at Eigtveds Pakhus in Copenhagen on 25 November 2024.
“The Government of Denmark was one of the founding donors that set up AmplifyChange to support locally-led groups to lead the work on sexual and reproductive health and rights in their communities. Denmark has been a proud supporter ever since. AmplifyChange has lived up to its ambitious name and brought empowerment and life-altering changes to millions of women, girls and local communities over the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing the cooperation,” said Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Cooperation Lotte Machon.
Over the past 10 years, AmplifyChange has funded 775 civil society organisations, distributing over GBP 125 million in grants across 67 countries predominately in Africa and South Asia. Our approach focuses on delivering funds directly to grassroots organisations, allowing for rapid response to community needs and efficient use of resources. For example, in Cameroon, AmplifyChange has supported local groups like Reach Out Cameroon to address urgent SRHR issues worsened by ongoing conflict within the country, especially for women and girls. By involving men and boys in shifting social norms, challenging toxic masculinity, and reducing gender-based violence, these initiatives create a community-driven approach that supports immediate SRHR needs and builds lasting change in attitudes toward gender equality.
“In the past decade, AmplifyChange has proven the power of local action in addressing some of the most pressing SRHR issues worldwide,” said Dr. Narmeen Hamid, Chair of the Board of Directors of AmplifyChange. “Our partnerships with community organisations are at the heart of what we do, enabling local leaders to drive sustainable change and confront critical challenges that affect health and rights in their communities.”
AmplifyChange was launched in 2014 by Her Majesty The Queen of Denmark during a United Nations General Assembly session, marking the beginning of a movement dedicated to improving SRHR for underserved populations in Africa and South Asia. Through targeted funding and organisational strengthening, AmplifyChange has supported local organisations to tackle urgent issues, including gender-based violence, stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity, abortion access, youth rights, and healthcare availability for all.
The celebration on 25 November welcomed Danish government representatives, embassy staff, and supporters to hear remarks from Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Cooperation, Lotte Machon; AmplifyChange’s Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr. Narmeen Hamid; and AmplifyChange founding member and former Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Ulla Tørnæs.
A panel facilitated by Ulla Tørnæs featured AmplifyChange Strategic Advisor for Cameroon, Anne-Marie Manga, and Grant Director of Dambe Funds Sahel, Sory Ibrahim Monekata, Ph.D., who both spoke to the positive impact of flexible, long-term, and direct funding to local civil society. By funding in this way, activists can use the advocacy strategies and approaches most appropriate to their contexts and adjust their work to meet changing environments. This strengthens organisations and in turn strengthens their movement’s efficiency and impact – positively changing the lives of the communities they serve.
“AmplifyChange’s support has allowed us to champion rights and health for vulnerable communities in ways that were once unimaginable,” said Anne-Marie Manga. “Our work brings visibility and resilience to people who are often marginalised, and it emphasises that SRHR advocacy is about dignity, health, and inclusivity for all.”
“With AmplifyChange’s partnership, we have been able to expand our reach and deepen our impact, particularly in underserved West African communities,” said Sory Ibrahima Monekata. “Their support has enabled us to implement essential programs and to build local capacity, ensuring that our advocacy and services are sustainable and rooted in the communities we serve.”
AmplifyChange’s 10th-anniversary celebration coincided with the first day of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a fitting occasion to reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done. As we move into 2025, AmplifyChange remains committed to broadening our support and forging new partnerships to address critical SRHR needs, supporting healthier communities and more resilient movements in the process.
Thank you to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for hosting this event and for FINN Partners for supporting event communications.
