What we do
ICRW-Africa is advancing gender equity through Afro—feminist research, evidence-based advocacy, and partnerships that transform systems so that women and girls across Africa can lead and thrive.
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We have a strong history of work in over 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Lesotho, Senegal and DRC. Our work regularly entails active collaboration with communities as well as national, regional, and international bodies to generate and provide contextually grounded evidence, engage in evidence-informed advocacy, and implement innovative programs. We engage stakeholders such as communities, duty-bearers, decision-makers, and program implementers through a variety of strategies, including face-to-face meetings, publications, and other media. ICRW Africa works on the four ICRW thematic focus areas: economic opportunity and security; health and sexual and reproductive rights; equitable social norms and power dynamics; and climate action.
As part of our 2023-2026 Strategy, ICRW Africa is being re-positioned into a mission-driven, efficient, effective, and equitable Gender Center of Excellence. Our intimate connection and proximity to the communities we serve, combined with our extensive history of policy-relevant research, puts us in a strong position to shape policies on multiple issues and support efforts to improve the lived realities of women and girls throughout Africa. At the global level, ICRW continues to reinforce and amplify the common threads of our regional work to maximize impact where it is most needed.
Why this matters
Despite decades of progress, African women remain disproportionately affected by poverty, limited access to resources, and structural inequality.
Our Approach
These realities underscore why gender equity isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s an economic and development imperative.
Economic Opportunity and Security
We generate evidence and advocate for policies that expand access to decent work, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion for women.
Health and Sexual and Reproductive Rights (SRHR)
We research and promote women’s and girls’ right to make informed choices about their bodies and health.
Climate Action for Gender Justice
We examine how climate change affects women differently and design adaptive, gender—responsive solutions that protect livelihoods.
Social Norms and Power Dynamics
We explore how norms shape power relations and work with communities to shift attitudes, reduce genderbased violence, and promote equality.
Flagship Initiatives
Gender Research Fellowship Program:
Building the next generation of African feminist researchers through mentorship, innovation labs, and hackathons.
Public Policy Research Hub:
A growing digital space translating gender evidence into actionable policy insights.
Cross-sector Collaborations:
Co-designed projects with governments, universities, and CSOs that link local research to regional and global agendas.
Community Engagement Labs:
Co-designed projects with governments, universities, and CSOs that link local research to regional and global agendas.
