Why work is (still) not working for women
Unpaid work. Sexual harassment. Violence. Low wages. The “motherhood penalty.” These are just some of the issues that millions of women continue…
We are ICRW Africa.
Boldly Afro-feminist and fiercely action-oriented.
We don’t just study inequality; we challenge it. We generate evidence and strengthen partnerships so that research is visible, relevant, and used to catalyze and improve inclusive policies, systems, and investments so that women, girls, and marginalized communities in Africa thrive.
How we work
We develop and scale innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving world—grounded in data,
shaped by local voices, and challenging the status quo on gender equity through:
Rigorous Research
We conduct African—led research to understand the challenges women, girls, and marginalized communities face and to identify effective solutions.
Evidence to Action
We translate research into action—connecting findings to communities and decision-makers, providing them with tools and thought leadership to drive policy and shape
debates from local to global levels.
Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with governments, civil society, feminist movements, and other allies, to co-create policies and programs, embedding evidence into practice and driving systemic change.
Investing in the Future
We mentor and promote young African gender researchers and creatives—building a pipeline of leaders who will sustain the field and carry feminist knowledge and action forward.
Our Approach
Lasting gender equity in Africa can only be achieved when evidence and solutions are African-led, inclusive, and intersectional. ICRW Africa is leading the way to generate that research.
Our approach is Afro-feminist, rooted in the realities of women, girls, and marginalized communities and designed to drive lasting change.
We go beyond generating evidence: We translate data into advocacy and action, mentor the next generation of African gender researchers, and use our convening power to bring diverse partners and communities together.
In doing so, we ensure shared knowledge sparks solutions, shifts policies, and strengthens systems to advance rights and opportunities for all women and girls in Africa.
Recognizing that meaningful change means shifting entrenched social norms and dynamics that disadvantage girls and women, ICRW-Africa focuses on issues of SRHR, climate action, and economic opportunity and security to move countries and cultures toward gender equity.
ICRW's Footprint In Africa
For over 30 years, we have delivered ground-breaking research and gender-transformative solutions in over 25 countries across sub-saharan Africa.
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Geographic Reach
Active in 9 countries with a footprint in eastern, southern & west Africa
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Publications
Africa-focused research outputs since 2015
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Partnerships & Alliances
50+ projects shaped by partnerships with governments, civil society, UN agencies and grassroots movements since 2015
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Next Generation Researchers
A growing alumni network of 100+ African gender fellows and researchers under 30.
Harness the power
of African Youth
Groundbreaking initiatives by ICRW Africa are building an unprecedented pan-African platform to shatter gender barriers for young women.
At ICRW Africa, we collaborate with African creatives to close Africa’s gender gap by making African feminist research visible, relatable and transformative. By translating evidence on gender equity into powerful stories, we spark conversations that shift mindsets and drive policy change. Together, we are closing Africa’s gender gap by ensuring research doesn’t just inform but mobilizes action across the continent.
Meet our Creative Ambassors
At ICRW Africa, we believe the path to accelerating gender equity lies in empowering a new generation of gender researchers—equipped with the tools to generate Afrocentric, decolonized evidence and translate it into transformative action.
Meet our Fellows
Featured Programs
ICRW Africa in the News
These stories draw on ICRW Africa research, work, and interviews of ICRW Africa staff.
Hidden cost of being young and what our Gen Zs need to…
No one ever referred to me as a care worker. Before I turned 18, I could rock a baby to sleep with…
How we can drastically transform care work to empower our women
A potential customer samples items on sale at a Nairobi expo meant to empower women entrepreneurs in showcasing their talents. Women entrepreneurs…
Stories of change
Real stories of Impact
Get Involved
Invest in Gender Equity
At ICRW Africa, we believe sustainable change requires collective action. Whether you’re an individual donor, foundation, corporation, or policymaker, your partnership helps us:
- Generate actionable evidence to shape gender-equitable policies.
- Scale innovative programs that empower women, girls, and marginalized communities.
- Amplify African women’s leadership in economic, health, and climate justice.
Our Funders
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, ICRW Africa continues transforming gender equity in Africa through locally grounded, Afro-feminist research and action.
