Advancing equality. Transforming lives.
A national women’s rights organization working for a just society where gender equality is a reality — through advocacy, research, leadership, social transformation and economic empowerment.
Four decades of women’s rights advocacy.
Founded on 19 November 1985, ACFODE has built grassroots connections, relationships with leaders at all levels, and a strong record in policy advocacy, research and rights-based programming.
A movement rooted in equality and opportunity.
Action for Development (ACFODE) is a national women’s rights organization established in 1985. Its work focuses on empowering women, youth and girls through social and policy change that fosters a culture of equal opportunities.
Four strategic areas driving transformation.
ACFODE connects policy, leadership, communities and livelihoods to address structural barriers to equality.
Policy Advocacy & Research
Generating evidence, influencing policy and strengthening accountability for gender equality and women’s rights.
Leadership Development
Building the capacity, confidence and leadership of women and young people to participate and influence decisions.
Transformative Social-Cultural Change
Challenging harmful norms and supporting communities to create safer, fairer and more equal societies.
Economic Empowerment
Supporting women and communities to strengthen economic opportunity, resilience and independence.
From a 1985 idea to a national platform for change.
ACFODE’s history is grounded in women coming together to influence the systems, policies and social conditions that shape their lives.
ACFODE is founded
Established as Action for Development, with a commitment to advancing women’s rights and development.
Grassroots connections deepen
Relationships with communities and leaders at different levels strengthen ACFODE’s ability to influence change.
Evidence informs action
Research, advocacy and policy engagement become central to advancing gender equality.
Building the next generation of change
ACFODE continues to combine rights-based programming, leadership, social transformation and economic empowerment.
Change systems. Change communities. Change lives.
ACFODE combines evidence, community engagement, leadership development and advocacy to create sustainable change, working with women, youth, communities, institutions, policymakers and partners.
National experience, local connection.
ACFODE combines national-level policy influence with grassroots engagement and relationships with leaders at all levels.
Partnership is part of our model.
ACFODE works across sectors to turn evidence and community priorities into practical action.
A platform built for accountable impact.
What ACFODE brings
- Long-standing experience in women’s rights and gender equality.
- Grassroots and community connections.
- Relationships with leaders and decision-makers at different levels.
- Experience in policy advocacy and research.
- Rights-based and gender-transformative programming.
- Networks for collaboration, learning and resource mobilisation.
Our continuing ambition
- Strengthen women’s meaningful participation in decision-making.
- Advance gender-responsive policies and accountability.
- Support young women and girls to lead change.
- Challenge harmful social and cultural norms.
- Expand economic opportunities and resilience.
- Build partnerships that accelerate sustainable change.
Let’s build a more equal society.
Explore partnership, programme, advocacy and engagement opportunities with ACFODE.