 Mission
Statement
MAIA will strategically invest in solutions
and programs that strengthen the capacity of women to navigate
their health and that of their families through organizations
that will become effective agents of change for women and
women's health in sub-Saharan Africa. MAIA specifically seeks
to improve maternal health, reduce maternal mortality and
improve access to reproductive and family planning services
for women. MAIA invests in solutions and programs that strengthen
the capacity of women to navigate their health and that of
their families.
MAIA's Commitment
To identify and then strategically invest
in programs and organizations that will become effective agents
of change for women and their health in sub-Saharan Africa.
MAIA's goal is to provide social and health "returns
on investments" for MAIA donors and women in sub-Saharan
Africa so that long-term multi-generational impact will be
possible.
Theory of Change
MAIA believes that women in developing
countries who are educated, equipped with life skills, and
informed about disease prevention and health promotion will
better navigate their health and that of their families, thus
leading to reduced population growth, improved health status,
increased economic independence and ultimately improved quality
of life.
How Will MAIA Create Change?
MAIA will create
change by:
- Generating and investing in new ideas
and proposals that bridge gaps in key areas of women's health
and complement initiatives that are already underway;
- Measuring the impact of its investments;
- Partnering with academia to evaluate
solutions and measure health and social outcomes;
- Building stronger organizations;
- Establishing new inter-organizational
networks;
- Training individuals for leadership
in a field;
- Influencing the political system and
helping others to do so.
MAIA's Model
for Grant Giving
MAIA invests
in programs and solutions by partnering with existing NGOs
that are working in women's health. Options for grant giving:
- Multi-year small and medium size grants
($5-25K) per fiscal year to up to 10 organizations; and
- Research grant(s) to a local
universities to evaluate interventions in funded areas and
technology transfer in areas such as obstetric fistula prevention,
reproductive health, women's mental health, HIV prevention.
 Why
Africa?
Africa has a wealth of history, diversity
of cultures and religions, natural resources and a beautiful
landscape. Unfortunately Africa is also burdened by poverty,
political instability, and fractured health care systems.
Recognizing the opportunity to have an impact, Barbara and
Laureen chose to apply their collective experience studying
the political, economic, and public health landscape towards
improving key areas of women's health and health literacy
in sub-Saharan Africa.
Criteria for Selection
The first phase of grants will be in Uganda
and Rwanda because they are both relatively politically stable
countries, have good country governance, have women in leadership
posiotions, and a well respected NGO presence and infrastructure
in women's health and health care. In addition, they are both
English speaking countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
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