The LEAD Project

The Leadership Exploration and Development Project supported by the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH) is implemented in Zimbabwe`s Higher Education Sector primarily targeting Zimbabwe’s ten biggest universities. Although SAIH has supported SAYWHAT since its inception in 2003, the LEAD project ran from 2018 – 2022 and was renewed for another 4-year cycle ending 2026.

LEAD envisages an inclusive and equitable higher education system in Zimbabwe that propels students and academics to champion young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights specifically marginalized youth who face discrimination on the basis of being female, living with HIV or disability status.

For years LEAD has strengthened students’ capacities to use evidence and advocate for the safety and inclusion of female students (young women), students with disabilities and students living with HIV in academic spaces both at policy and community levels.