Pearl Development Consulting

Empower. Equip. Encourage.

Welcome

At Pearl Development Consulting, We are driven by a deep commitment to creating inclusive and equitable systems that place women and girls at the center. With over 20 years of experience across Africa and the Arab States, we offer expert consulting services that spark transformational change—rooted in research, informed by experience, and guided by a clear vision for equity

Our Vision

To be a leading force in catalyzing transformative change by creating a world where gender equality, inclusive leadership, and social justice are foundational pillars of development and progress.

Our Misson

To empower institutions, leaders, and communities with cutting-edge gender expertise, bold strategies, and inclusive solutions that dismantle inequality, amplify marginalized voices, and drive systemic change for women and girls across Africa and beyond, leaving no one behind.

What Makes Us Different

With our deep expertise in development work, we understand the complexities of the development arena. We unpack complex socio-economic development issues and craft customized developmental and poverty reduction strategies and programs that are Sustainable, Implementable, Measurable, Impactful, and Cost-Effective. Our approach is designed to enhance critical thinking, deepen understanding, inspire strategic action, and deliver practical, results-driven solutions.

Deep Sectoral Expertise: With over 20 years of cross-sectoral experience, we know what it takes to shift systems in health, energy, climate, trade, and more.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose: Our Founder and Director, Edith Makandi, leads with clarity, compassion, and conviction bringing a rare combination of strategic depth and grassroots empathy.
Customized, Action-Oriented Solutions: We tailor every strategy, training, and policy to your context, ensuring relevance, ownership, and results.
Voices from the Margins: We center the lived experiences of women, youth, and marginalized communities ensuring that inclusion is not an afterthought, but the starting point.
Transformation, Not Ticking Boxes: We go beyond compliance to catalyze real culture change, organizational learning, and sustainable impact.

Partner with us to go beyond the expected and create the extraordinary

Our Unique Approach

At Pearl Development Consulting, we embrace a collaborative and context-driven approach to problem-solving. By working closely with our clients, we gain a deep understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities, allowing us to design strategies that are both locally relevant and culturally responsive. Our work is grounded in a strong commitment to sustainability and equity, with gender equality and social inclusion at the core of every initiative we undertake.

With extensive experience in the development sector, we are well-equipped to navigate complex social and economic challenges. We specialize in unpacking these complexities to design tailored development and poverty reduction strategies that are sustainable, practical, measurable, impactful, and cost-effective. Our approach is rooted in fostering deeper insight, guiding clients toward actionable steps, and delivering tangible, results-driven solutions

Diversity & Inclusion Programmes

Our work strengthens inclusive workplace cultures, boosts employee engagement, and drives innovation through equitable practices. By embedding gender and inclusion into organizational DNA, our clients see measurable improvements in performance, retention, and stakeholder trust. We conduct D&I audits, develop action plans, train leadership teams, and provide ongoing strategic guidance to embed equity into HR, operations, and decision-making processes.

Our Clients Past Work

We are proud to have partnered with a wide range of influential organizations, institutions, and development partners. Our work has shaped gender-responsive strategies, policies, and programs across the continent and beyond. Many of these collaborations were led through the strategic leadership of our Director, Edith Makandi, whose vision and experience have positioned Pearl Development Consulting as a trusted thought leader in the sector. Our clients include:

UNDP South Africa: Integrated gender into biodiversity financing solutions and developed gender responsive training modules.

UNDP Iraq: Developed first ever gender equality strategy and integrated gender into UNDP Iraq programs.

UNDP Somali: Developed an advocacy strategy to strengthen women’s political participation.

UNDP New York: Supported the development and launch of gender equality in public institutions. Initiated in Arab states and Africa.

World Food Program Cameron (WFP): Supported the development of gender equality strategy and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

Rotary Action Group for Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA): Led gender mainstreaming across 10 African countries and developed their Gender Equality Strategy and Training of Trainers programs.

Greenpeace Africa: Integrated gender into environmental campaigns across five countries, developing their first Engagement Strategy with a gender lens.

International Gender & Trade Networks (IGTN): Supported gender and trade integration across regional trade agreements including Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA).

International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO’S): Facilitated multi-country consultations on gender-responsive governance and women’s leadership.

National Governments: Advised ministries on national gender policies, CEDAW reporting, and inclusive policy development

Private Sector Partners: Designed Diversity & Inclusion strategies for multinational companies to foster inclusive workspaces.

Eskom: Eskom Women Advancement Program (EWAP), celebrated 10 years 2024.

Our clients trust us to deliver results with integrity, insight, and innovation building a future where equality and inclusion are at the core of every system.

Why Choose Us

Proven Track Record: Over 20 years of experience in GESI, training, gender assessments, M&E, and leadership development, with a focus on practical, impact-driven solutions.
Tailored Solutions: We offer customized strategies that meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in diverse sectors and regions.
Impact-Driven: Our commitment to creating sustainable, measurable outcomes ensures that our work has a lasting, positive impact on communities, businesses, and organizations.

Transforming Sectors Through Inclusive Development

At Pearl Development Consulting, we integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles across diverse sectors to foster equitable and sustainable development. Our work spans renewable energy, climate action, financial inclusion, trade and investment, health, and education—each a vital pillar in building resilient communities. Through tailored strategies, expert training, and robust monitoring and evaluation, we support organizations and governments in embedding gender-responsive and inclusive practices into their programs and policies. These sectors represent the core of our mission to empower marginalized populations and catalyze lasting change worldwide.