A group of African women stand together celebrating

Black background with a white geometric pattern of concentric polygonal stars and zigzag lines.

Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative

Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative equips women-identified, Africa-residing plant-based advocates with leadership skills, campaign skills, and a safe network of like-minded food systems advocates. Our goal – unite African women-identified plant-based advocates, increase the plant-based movement in the region, and build a stronger, women-led advocate network across the continent, and amplify women-led solutions for healthier communities, animals, and the planet..

This is an online initiative with occasional in-person meets, women from any African country are invited.

Questions can be sent to virginia.ruguru@thrivephilanthropy.org

Register

STRENGTHENING WOMEN LEADERSHIP

Across Africa, women play a critical role in food systems, health, and community leadership. Yet many lack access to structured mentorship, advocacy training, and continental networks that support their work. AVWI addresses this gap by equipping women with the knowledge, confidence, and platforms needed to lead impactful plant-based advocacy rooted in African contexts and cultures.

THE WHY

Why did we launch the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative? After observing a significant minority in the number of Africa-based women-identified grant applicants, Thrive wanted to know:

What is the reason for this gender discrepancy?
What are the barriers women face to grant funding and advocacy leadership?
How can we dismantle these barriers and create more access to resources?

Through these questions, the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative was born. The initiative was founded by Thrive CEO, Jessika Ava, and is managed by the powerhouse Kenya-based Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia Ruguru. To date, it has led to a significant uptake in women-led plant-based projects and grants across Africa.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Black and white abstract geometric pattern with overlapping zigzag and triangular shapes.

Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia, discusses Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative on USA podcast, NaijhaSpeaks.

Close-up of a black and white geometric pattern resembling a star with multiple layers of lines creating a maze-like appearance

WHAT WE DO:

Through a structured and suppportive approach, Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative delivers:

Leadership and advocacy capacity-building sessions
Mentorship and peer-learning opportunities
Webinars, workshops, and storytelling platforms
Collaborative campaigns and community initiatives
Africa-wide and international networking and visibility for members

“The initiative is like a personalized coaching experience, focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of our journey. It’s boosted my confidence and leadership skills. ”

— Thandeka, Totally Plant-Based Foods, Zimbabwe

Black and white abstract geometric pattern resembling a star or snowflake with interconnected lines and shapes.

WHO CAN JOIN

The Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative is open to women-identified plant-based advocates residing in Africa. We welcome everyone, including:

Women advocates promoting plant-based diets or plant-based nutritional access
Community members, community leaders, educators, health advocates
Students, professionals, and others interested in plant-based food systems
Women leading or aiming to leading initiatives within Africa
Women just starting on their advocacy journey

Our members currently range from teenagers to retirees, and include early, mid, and late-level careers. We thrive in our diversity and are a welcoming place for everyone!

We look forward to welcoming you!

Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initaitive’s youngest member, Gladys, speaks on USA podcast, NaijhaSpeaks.

A SAMPLE OF
OFFERINGS

WORKSHOP
Members join expert-led workshops focused on leadership, advocacy, storytelling, partnerships grounded in African realities and traditions.

CONSULTATION
Members can hold a one-on-on mentorship call with an expert consultant, tailored to your needs

MEDIA INTERVIEWS
Members can create opportunities for interviews with local news stations or international podcasts

APPLY FOR A GRANT
Members have an opportunity to apply for a competitive grant to fund your advocacy

MEMBER CAMPAIGN
Members can be an active leader in the Women’s Initiative Plant-Powered Holiday Campaign in your own city

AND MORE
Strategizing sessions, certificates of completion, and more

Black and white abstract geometric pattern with zigzag and triangular shapes.

Register to Join the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative

Register

Black and white portrait of an woman with short hair, wearing glasses, smiling, on a white background.

INITIATIVE LEAD

The Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative is managed by Kenya-based Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia Ruguru. Virginia is a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition with over 12 years of experience in managing international and national nonprofit programs. She is dedicated to promoting plant-based culinary traditions and humane education. Virginia endeavors to nurture compassion and respect for all living beings, with a strong emphasis on the humane treatment of animals. Committed to accelerating plant-based food systems and promoting veganism, she aims to drive positive change and advocate for sustainable practices in nutrition and ethical values.

For more information, please contact Virginia at virginia.ruguru@thrivephilanthropy.org.

Thrive Africa is a department of Thrive Philanthropy.

Questions may be sent to africa@thrivephilanthropy.com

About Thrive Africa

Meet the Team

Thank you to our sponsor:

DONATE TO THRIVE

Join us in creating just, plant-based food systems.

Your support to Thrive Philanthropy creates a world with nutritious, sustainable, plant-based food systems, and a world where philanthropy is equitable, effective, and just.