Zambia Association for Research and Development

Working to Empower Women

Research, advocacy and action for inclusive development

ZARD is a member-driven Zambian organisation connecting researchers, communities, and decision-makers to advance gender equality and sustainable development.

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Three women taking part in a collaborative discussion

Thematic expertise

Six connected areas of work

We bring a gender and inclusion lens to six intersecting areas, connecting community experience with institutional learning and public decision-making.

Governance

Policy research, dialogue, and institutional support for accountable, inclusive decision-making and stronger public systems.

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Gender & Social Inclusion

Participatory research and advocacy that bring the priorities of women, girls, and excluded groups into policy and programme discussions.

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Climate & Environment

Research and shared learning that support climate resilience, environmental governance, and locally relevant adaptation.

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Livelihoods

Socio-economic research, practical learning, and capacity strengthening for inclusive livelihoods and economic participation.

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Health

Research and policy dialogue on the links between health, gender, rights, and social conditions.

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Youth

Youth-centred research, learning, and dialogue that bring young people’s priorities into development decisions.

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Verified track record

Institutional history, clearly framed

These figures describe ZARD’s founding and documented historical achievements; they are not presented as current programme reach.

1984

Established

ZARD’s founding year

Publication titles

Titles preserved in ZARD’s current catalogue

Women’s groups

A documented historical achievement across five districts

Districts

Historical reach of the documented women’s groups initiative

ZARD members and partners at the Lusaka Province Women Empowerment Project

From the historical record

From research to policy and community action

ZARD’s documented achievements include supporting nine women’s groups across five districts, contributing to gender-policy processes, and building information networks that connected researchers and development actors.

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How we contribute

A practical strategic pathway

This pathway explains how ZARD approaches its work; it is not presented as a formally approved Theory of Change.

1Participatory research, MEL, facilitation, and technical support
2Shared knowledge, practical learning, and stronger organisational systems
3More inclusive policies, programmes, and public dialogue
4Sustainable outcomes shaped by participation and collaboration

Knowledge hub

Publications

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Publication

Beyond Inequalities: Women in Zambia

Publication

The Gabon Aftermath

Publication

Handbook on the Rights of Children in Zambia

News & Insights

Latest from ZARD

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Two women working together with a laptop

News

Bridging the Gender Gap Through ICT

How basic IT training is opening doors for underprivileged women across Zambia, and what we have learned along the way.

News

Lessons from the Lusaka Province Women Empowerment Project

Reflections on the 2018–2019 NGCC-funded project, what we set out to do, and the impact that continues to ripple through the communities we serve.

Two women working with a laptop and handwritten notes

News

Why Research Matters in Gender Advocacy

How ZARD's research has connected women's lived experience with policy discussion in Zambia.

Bring research, learning and local insight into your next programme

Talk with ZARD about research, MEL, capacity strengthening, policy engagement, or a collaborative development initiative.

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