What We Do

Our Programmes

ZARD's work is organized into three core programmes, each designed to address a specific dimension of gender and development in Zambia. Together, they form an integrated approach to advancing the status of women and building the capacity of communities.

Guidance & Institutional Development (GID)

By the end of 2023, ZARD will have established itself as a professional and effective organization for social research in Zambia.

Two women in colorful African prints collaborating on a laptop

Priority Areas

Membership administration and development
System and policy review
Resource mobilization

Operational Objectives

To review and strengthen the governance and management of ZARD by the end of 2023
To improve the technical and financial capacity of ZARD in order to effectively implement its mandate by the end of 2023

Action Research & Advocacy

By the end of 2023, ZARD will appropriately and timely respond — through action research and advocacy — to key gender and social development issues in Zambia.

African women working together with laptops at a workshop table

Priority Areas

Gender and ICTs
Research methodologies for gender and development
Policy advocacy
Gender, women's rights, and HIV/AIDS

Operational Objectives

Enhance the use of ICTs by women in their social development and entrepreneurship programmes by 2023
Institute and conduct research in selected development areas that will contribute to the advancement of the status of women in Zambia by 2023
Initiate and participate in evidence-based advocacy campaigns and programmes aimed at promoting and enhancing the status of women

Information & Coalition Building (ICB)

By the end of 2023, ZARD will be able to actively participate in value-adding coalitions and partnerships, based on the principles of information sharing and knowledge exchange.

Two African women in business meeting sharing a moment together

Priority Areas

Information packaging and exchange
Gender and Development Resource Centre
Joint activities, coalition building, and partnership development

Operational Objectives

To enhance and maintain effective information dissemination and knowledge exchange on key social development issues by 2023
To re-organize and re-establish a Gender Learning and Resource Centre by 2023
To develop and participate in coalitions and partnerships that will enhance the implementation of ZARD's programmes by 2023

Three pillars, one mission — Research, advocacy, and training work in concert to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women across Zambia.