Reviewed by Tsitsi Midzi, head of Transformative Partnerships & Philanthropy, Urgent Action Fund Africa

As a passionate advocate for resourcing the Global South movements through a pan-African and feminist lens, I approached this book with a fervent desire to see some of our philanthropic perspectives represented and celebrated within global philanthropy. In my view, this book delves into the revolutionary potential and muscle of feminist givers, by speaking into a powerful discourse on their ability to finance womn1 and feminist movements boldly, flexibly and in unimaginable ways.   

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that existing literature often fails to recognise the remarkable contributions of African womn as givers who have invested their financial resources, invaluable talents and treasures to protect and uplift feminist causes. While this book provides a valuable and insightful platform for exploring the transformative impact of feminist philanthropies, in one way it unintentionally perpetuates dominant narratives that positions the Global North as primary protagonists and sources of such philanthropy. By not delving more deeply into the philanthropic efforts of Global South givers and to be specific, African womn, the book misses an opportunity to shed light on the complexities of navigating philanthropy amid social injustices. 

For example, this book could have given the reader the chance to delve into the unique nature of pan-African and feminist narratives of philanthropy that are grounded in solidarity, redistribution of resources and power based on values of equity, collective humanity, and agency. By not including more details on pan-African and feminist approaches and realities, it does not fully offer global philanthropy a chance to fundamentally rethink how its positionality, privilege, and power can be translated into advancing pan-African and feminist agendas for equity, justice, and the wellbeing of communities most impacted by structural injustices.  

Feminist Giving: Creating new frontiers in social change serves as a thought-provoking catalyst for further exploration and change in philanthropy.  

I loved how MacKenzie Scott’s profound impact on philanthropy is centred in the book especially how she revolutionised giving among high-net-worth womn by emphasising that philanthropy is more than personal gain. It is about heartfelt giving, breaking down silos, shifting away from project-focused approaches, and prioritising care and feminist movements.  

This book has ignited my own passion to delve deeper into remarkable African giving stories and experiences that amplify their voice, power and audacity in attaining social justice. In the words of MacKenzie Scott, ‘Something greater rises up every time we give’. 

1 Our use of ’womn’ is an act of challenging a system of patriarchy where womn are, in effect, subject to men or a sub-category of men.  

About the book
Author: Kiersten Marek
Published by: Lulu.com 
To order: tinyurl.com/feminist-giving