CHAIRPERSON'S STATEMENT

A warm Happy New Year from the A.W.L.A Chair. On behalf of the entire membership body, I wish our collaborators, donors and sisters across the Continent a prosperous and peaceful 2008.

In keeping with its objectives, A.W.L.A continues to create a platform for advocating the enhancement of the rights of African women and children.

As you will see from our Projects and in line with the vision of the Association, we have done extensive work on domestic violence, juvenile justice, sexual harassment and reproductive rights. While we maintain our commitment to these areas, we also remain alert to other issues where we think our input would make a difference. In this vein, may I once again invite you to contact us if you wish to bring any specific matter to our attention.

A.W.L.A owes its success to its sponsors and donors. We acknowledge their unrelenting support over the years and look forward to continued collaboration going forward.

The Executive Board this year comprises:

Executive Director - Edna Kuma
Secretary - Effiba Amihere
Treasurer - Rebecca Adjalo
Projects Coordinator - Fitnat Adjetey
Welfare Secretary - Lisa Quarshie

The Secretariat is manned by three full time lawyers and three support staff. The lawyers are the Executive Director, who is responsible for the day-to-day administration and also coordinates Projects; the Technical Advisor who works on project proposals and provides technical support to the Association; and the Legal Advisor who advises on the legal framework for projects, prepares reports and assists the Executive Director with the day-to-day running of the Secretariat.

I know I speak on behalf of the Executive and membership in pledging to uphold the vision and high standards of the Association throughout 2008 and beyond.

Once again I wish you all a fruitful year.

Betty Mould-Iddrisu
Chairperson