Namakando Simamuna

Namakando Simamuna is a Demographer with over a decade of experience in health systems strengthening, policy development, advocacy, and program implementation across Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

She is the Policy, Partnerships, and Projects Technical Advisor at Marie Stopes Zambia, where she leads strategic partnerships, reproductive and maternal health advocacy, and health financing initiatives. She also provides technical assistance on policy adherence and oversees project performance monitoring. Previously, she worked with regional and global advocacy organizations, including the Centre for Reproductive Health and Education, IPPF Africa Regional Office, Graca Machel Trust, and Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, leading youth-focused advocacy efforts.

A Women Deliver Young Leader Alumna and African Union Youth Volunteer Corps Alumna, she has specialized training in pan-African policy mainstreaming and leadership development. Passionate about women’s rights, she explores the intersection of gender, rights, and development. She holds a Master’s in Population Studies and a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Zambia and is currently pursuing a law degree.

Fun Fact: She recently learned how to swim and is always eager to dive in and show off her newfound skills!