Excerpt
The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) stands as a testament to the unification and promotion of African literature across the continent and its diaspora. Established in 1989, PAWA serves as an umbrella organization for national writers’ associations, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and the preservation of Africa’s rich literary heritage.
Historical Background
In November 1989, Accra, Ghana, became the birthplace of PAWA during a Constituent Congress held at the Kwame Nkrumah Conference Centre. Delegates from over 36 countries convened under the theme “African Unity; A Liberation of the Mind,” culminating in the formal signing of the Declaration and Constitution that established PAWA. This initiative was deeply rooted in the broader Pan-African movement, aiming to harness literature as a vehicle for unity and cultural renaissance. By 1992, the Ghanaian government granted PAWA’s Secretariat full diplomatic status, solidifying its presence and influence in Accra’s Roman Ridge neighborhood.
Constitutional Role and Mandate
PAWA’s mission encompasses several core objectives:
Providing a Platform:
- Serving as a forum for writers of African descent, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to collaborate and share ideas.
Defending Freedom of Expression:
- Vigorously advocating for the rights of African writers to express themselves without censorship or repression.
Promoting Literacy:
- Implementing initiatives aimed at eradicating illiteracy across Africa.
Incorporating African Literature into Education:
- Encouraging the inclusion of African literary works in educational curricula to foster a sense of identity and pride.
Advancing African Languages:
- Promoting the use and development of African languages, including the translation of literary works into indigenous tongues.
Organizational Structure
PAWA operates through a structured framework designed to facilitate its mission:
Governing Council:
- Comprising representatives from national writers’ associations, this council provides strategic direction and oversight.
Secretariat:
- Based in Accra, the Secretariat manages day-to-day operations, coordinates activities, and implements policies set forth by the Governing Council.
National Chapters:
- PAWA encompasses 52 national writers’ associations across the African continent, each functioning autonomously while aligning with PAWA’s overarching objectives.
Leadership and Ranks
The leadership of PAWA is pivotal in steering its vision:
Secretary-General:
- The chief executive officer responsible for the overall management and representation of PAWA. Professor Atukwei Okai was the inaugural Secretary-General, serving from 1989 until his passing in 2018. In August 2020, Dr. Wale Okediran, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, assumed the role, bringing renewed vigor to the association.
Deputy Secretary-General:
- Assists the Secretary-General in executing duties and may oversee specific departments or initiatives.
Administrative Staff:
- A team responsible for various operational aspects, including event coordination, communications, and member relations.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Leadership positions within PAWA are filled through a consultative process involving member associations:
Secretary-General:
- Appointed based on a consensus among the Governing Council members, considering experience, contributions to African literature, and leadership capabilities.
Other Positions:
- Roles within the Secretariat and administrative branches are filled through standard recruitment processes, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection.
Collaborative Units and Partnerships
PAWA collaborates with various organizations to amplify its impact:
International Authors Forum (IAF):
- Engaging with global literary bodies like the IAF to advocate for authors’ rights and promote African literature on the world stage.
Educational Institutions:
- Partnering with schools and universities to integrate African literature into curricula and support literary research.
Cultural Organizations:
- Working alongside cultural institutions to organize literary events, workshops, and festivals that celebrate African storytelling traditions.
Constitutional Reforms
While PAWA’s foundational objectives have remained consistent, it has undergone reforms to adapt to evolving challenges:
Diplomatic Recognition:
- In 1992, the Ghanaian government granted the PAWA Secretariat full diplomatic status, enhancing its operational autonomy and international standing.
Strategic Initiatives:
- Under the leadership of Dr. Wale Okediran, PAWA has sought to rejuvenate its activities, emphasizing the role of literature in fostering African unity and development. This includes embracing digital platforms to reach a broader audience and revising policies to better support writers in a rapidly changing world.
Achievements
Over the decades, PAWA has made significant strides:
International African Writers’ Day:
- Established on November 7th, coinciding with PAWA’s founding date, this annual event celebrates African writers and their works. In 1991, the Conference of African Ministers of Education and Culture resolved to commemorate this day continent-wide.
Literary Conferences and Seminars:
- Organizes events that bring together writers, scholars, and enthusiasts to discuss pertinent issues and celebrate literary achievements. Notably, in November 2015, PAWA hosted a conference in Accra honoring Chinua Achebe, attracting over 300 participants.
Advocacy for Writers’ Rights:
- Actively defending freedom of expression and addressing challenges faced by African writers, including censorship and intellectual property rights.
Promotion of African Languages:
- Encourages writing in indigenous languages and facilitates translations, enriching the literary tapestry of the continent.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_African_Writers%27_Association
- https://www.motac.gov.gh/pan-african-writers-association-pawa/
- https://internationalauthors.org/news/member-spotlight-pawa/
- https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/opinion/literary-column-a-conversation-with-the-secretary-general-of-the-pan-african-writers-association-dr-wale-okediran
- https://internationalauthors.org/news/member-spotlight-pawa/
- https://newafricanmagazine.com/8836/
- https://ir.knust.edu.gh/items/0c446de0-946d-465a-86d1-1d3454f8e290
- https://www.cbpm.org/pawa.html
- https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100060160
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Pan_African_Writers_Association
- https://blog.aau.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PAWAS-NEWSLETTER-Aug-2020-to-Dec-2020-1-compressed.pdf