ABOUT GENDERBLEND
A distinct approach to gender, transformation and institutional change.
GenderBlend Strategists is a specialist gender and transformation consultancy focused on helping organisations understand complex gendered realities and develop practical, evidence-informed responses.
Our purpose
We connect research, strategy, advocacy, facilitation and capacity development to support organisations seeking more equitable, inclusive and accountable institutions and systems.
We believe meaningful transformation requires more than policies and commitments. It requires critical analysis, accountable leadership, institutional learning and sustained action.
Strategic gender work should move organisations from awareness to accountable action.
Our vision
A world in which organisations and institutions are equitable, inclusive, accountable and responsive to the diverse people and communities they serve.
Our mission
To translate gender expertise, research and advocacy into practical strategies that enable organisations and institutions to advance equality, inclusion, transformation and accountability.
Our values
Integrity
Ethical, honest and responsible professional practice.
Evidence
Credible knowledge and contextual understanding.
Equity
Fairness, dignity and substantive equality.
Inclusion
Respect for diverse experiences, identities and perspectives.
Accountability
Transparent processes and meaningful institutional responsibility.
Transformation
Changing systems, practices and institutional cultures.
LEADERSHIP
Dr Thembelihle Bongwana
Founder & Principal Strategist
Gender scholar • Researcher • Strategist
Expertise grounded in scholarship and practice.
Dr Thembelihle Bongwana is a gender scholar, researcher and strategist whose work brings together gender expertise, advocacy, research, institutional transformation and capacity development.
She holds a PhD in Women and Gender Studies and brings extensive professional and academic experience in gender equality, research, advocacy, monitoring, training, governance and institutional practice.
Her expertise spans gender mainstreaming, gender-responsive strategy, research and evaluation, institutional monitoring, advocacy, policy engagement, capacity development and transformation.
Her academic and professional practice informs GenderBlend Strategists' approach of connecting rigorous analysis with practical, context-responsive strategies for organisational and institutional change.
Transformative change requires both critical insight and practical action.