The Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) based in Harare, Zimbabwe provides research on human rights and governance issues, with particular emphasis on women, children and youth. RAU is officially registered as a trust under Zimbabwean law, with a board of trustees comprised of experienced academics, gender experts, finance experts and NGO management experts. The RAU working team is made up of small team of professionals who are passionate about their work.

Programs

Since its inception in 2006, RAU has worked in the 3 key areas of Active Citizenship, Community Security, and Policy Advocacy. To this end, the organisation has consistently produced cutting edge reports from in-depth research and surveys and has earned a reputation for its factual, hard-hitting reports on human rights and good governance.

RAU research examines the structure and relations of power understanding how people interface with the systems and structures of governance so they work better for them and their communities. RAU's overall aim is to continue to play a pivotal role in contributing to the restoration of the rule of law, good governance, and the return to a fully-functioning democracy

As a leading research institute in Zimbabwe with 10 years of experience in conducting research across a wide range of topics, including human rights, governance, politics, gender (including gender based violence) and natural resources focused specifically on women and youth .

RAU’s work is a contribution towards building an active citizenry and a responsive state that is accountable and is effective in delivering much need public services.