A Diamond in West Africa

Located in West Africa, the Mano River basin encompasses regions of Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Quests to control oil, diamond and gold stores have contributed to the area’s conflict, but there is one Guinean woman determined to bring stability to the region.

Dr. Saran Daraba Kaba, a CEDPA alumna, is the founder and president of the Mano River Women’s Peace Network. In 2000, Dr. Saran led women from all walks of life to participate in the process of bringing peace to the region. The network participated in negotiations, which culminated in peace talks in Ghana in 2003. Because of their efforts, the U.N awarded them with the Prize in the field of Human Rights.

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How 'For-Profit' Strategies Can Benefit NGOs

On November 28th, Plan International USA acquired the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) and agreed to combine assets to boost existing programs, especially in gender mainstreaming and youth development. This move, according to Plan International USA's President/CEO Tessie San Martin, will not only maximize the impact of Plan’s projects, but it will also strengthen Plan’s resiliency to the global economic volatility.

San Martin explained the challenges of the acquisition to Devex and how this merger is different from a pure commercial merger. Because the partnership involves a nonprofit, there are clauses and provisions that involve money.

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Plan International USA Acquires the Centre for Development and Population Activities

Plan International USA and the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) have entered into a formal asset acquisition agreement. In this innovative transaction, CEDPA will join talents and projects with Plan to strengthen existing programs and more effectively protect and promote the rights of women and children around the world.

CEDPA, an international NGO based in Washington, D.C., was one of the first organizations to focus specifically on issues relating to the development and advancement of women. For more than 37 years, CEDPA has transformed the lives of millions of women and girls, making them successful partners in the development of their countries by giving them the tools to improve their lives, and the lives of their family and community members. Program focus includes girls’ education and youth development, increasing access to lifesaving reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services, and strengthening women’s leadership.

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