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At least 1 in every 3 women worldwide have been subjected to violence in their lifetime. Source: UN Women

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VAWG

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Africa is a major obstacle to their attaining equality, development and peace, and prevents women from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms and a life of dignity, free from oppression. Many women want to escape the violence and find refuge and safety because their homes or communities are unsafe. They seek safety and peace by going to safe spaces, such as shelters, refuges, women’s centres, or transition homes, to seek peace and safety.

The African Network of Women Shelters (ANWS) aims to ensure availability of women's centres and safe spaces across Africa, as well as raise awareness about women’s rights and their right to be free from violence.

ANWS is an affiliate of the Global Network of Women Shelters (GNWS).

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Focus Areas

  • Shelters

    The ANWS is committed to broadening the scope and reach of women's shelters and centres, transitional houses, refuges, and other safe places.

  • Networking

    ANWS promotes networking opportunities for women's shelters and centres working to end violence against women.

  • African Conferences

    We hold conferences in Africa against VAWG.

  • Helplines

    We have helplines and centers where women and children who have experiences VAWG can reach out to us.

  • 10,000+

    Women and Children helped

  • 1,000+

    Shelters across Africa

  • 3

    Africa Conferences held

  • 40

    Africa Countries in ANWS

News and Events

  • ANWS holds first Steering Committee meeting in Kigali, Rwanda

    Rwanda played host to the African Network of Women Shelters (ANWS) Steering Committee Meeting held on December 3rd - 5th, 2012 in Kigali. The ANWS is the newly constituted affiliate of the Global Network of Women Shelters (GNWS). GNWS was founded in 2009 to unite and strengthen the women’s shelter ...

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  • Kigali Call to Action

    We, the Global Network of Women\'s Shelters and the over 1,400 advocates and activists representing 96 countries in attendance at the 2nd World Conference of Women\'s Shelters, call upon all governments to develop and support targeted actions to prevent and respond to violence against women and children ...

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  • RWN hosts new African Network Meeting

    RWN played host to the African Network of Women Shelters (ANWS) Steering Committee Meeting held on December 3rd - 5th, 2012 in Kigali.

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All News and Events