The first quarter of 2025 marked a bold and intentional shift for ZAF, one rooted in a deep commitment to becoming a gender transformative organization. This shift is not just about ticking boxes; it is about embedding gender responsiveness into the heart of everything ZAF does.
A significant milestone was the establishment of a dedicated Gender Unit, staffed with three full-time professionals tasked with mainstreaming gender within the organisation and across all our programs. To guide this journey, ZAF brought on board Samya Development Resources Private Limited, a leading gender consultancy, to steer the organization towards meaningful gender transformation. The commitment, however, did not stop at the organizational level. ZAF also played a pivotal role in shaping national dialogue, supporting the formation of a national gender research committee under the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). This committee, composed of eleven expert members, including ZAF, aims to drive research and policy around gender equity nationwide. Looking ahead, ZAF is laying the groundwork for a Gender Research Fellowship in collaboration with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). While the details are still being refined, early discussions point towards a promising partnership that will build a pipeline of gender-focused researchers and thought leaders. This shift is intended to inform how the organization leads, learns, and creates lasting impact going forward.
