December 2024 | End of year message

As we conclude 2024, we are marking almost six months since the official start of Colmena Fund and we are in deep reflection of the current state of the world. During these last months, we have witnessed the results of a super election year, ongoing democratic erosion, and the persistent underrepresentation of women’s and feminist political leadership globally.

While more than 70 countries, accounting for about half the world’s population, have gone to the polls, the world continues to suffer from unrelenting humanitarian crises and conflicts, climate inaction, economic inequality, and decreasing global health worldwide. If there was ever a moment in time to reaffirm the significance of women’s political power, now is it.

Women and feminist political leaders are working across party lines defending democracy and human rights, enabling communities with safe and clean drinking water, ensuring comprehensive and affordable childcare, and championing gender equality, climate justice, and economic well-being. These women and gender-non binary leaders are succeeding even within deeply oppressive environments where pervasive violence and backlash exists and disinformation is widespread.
 
This month, Colmena Fund convened its first inaugural round of grantees. These organizations are tackling the barriers that women in politics face and supporting trailblazing women as they transform the lives of everyday people. The projects cover a range of issues, such as tech enabled violence against women in politics, political readiness, support for LGBT+ and Afro descendant women’s political leadership, capacity building, and development of inclusive tech tools. The initiatives cover diverse regions such as Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, and West Africa, with a particular focus on Senegal.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support as we embark on the challenging road ahead to accelerate the power of women leaders in formal politics, especially for those most historically marginalized, in the Global South. Please find below a few highlights from 2024, including the profiles of our inaugural group of grantees.

Before the conclusion of the year, we want to thank you for your partnership in stepping up to join our #ColmenaHive in our journey to advance women’s and feminist political leadership. We wish you and your loved ones rest, peace, and hope for the year ahead.

In Solidarity,
Colmena Fund team

Suyen Barahona, Executive Director
Ostalinda Maya, Program Lead
Margot Baruch, PhD, Advocacy and Partnerships