Our commitment
to anti-racism
The starting point for the new anti-racism, feminism and decolonial plan in 2026 was to build on what came before it. This included staff feedback, our work with The Better Org., recommendations developed with OneHR consultants in South Africa and insights from the Anti-Racism Working Group.
Defining our commitments and behaviours
Through co-creation with colleagues and dialogue with partners, Frontline AIDS identified three foundational commitments:
- Anti-racism
- Feminism
- Decolonisation
In early 2026, a Values Working Group began translating these commitments into observable practice, recognising how racism, patriarchy and colonisation shape attitudes, decisions and relationships. Colleagues identified four core behaviours: shifting power, building trust, listening deeply and practising collective care.
Embedding change
Every team and function was asked to align its strategic objectives with these commitments, embedding the values and behaviours in priorities and ways of working. Their inclusion in the Performance and Development Review process also moved the work towards personal accountability, asking colleagues to consider what the commitments mean in their roles and identify practical actions.
“Starting with self” remains a guiding principle. A learning resource provides concepts, prompts and tools for individual reflection and learning. For a copy, contact Maria Petnga-Wallace.
Looking ahead and measuring progress
The next phase will deepen individual and organisational change. Colleagues will receive support to strengthen or change specific behaviours. A systems-change approach will examine how policies, processes and structures reinforce or disrupt inequity.
Implementation is organised around three pillars: Define + Drive, Deliver + Embed, and Review + Success. “Signs of Justice” indicators will track progress, complemented by the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks, which assess maturity, from inactive to best practice, across areas including leadership, structure, learning and community.
Our ambition is to reach best-practice standards as part of our 2026–2030 Power in Partnership strategy. By embedding anti-racism, feminism and decolonisation in everyday practice, Frontline AIDS aims to build more equitable relationships and stronger partnerships towards a world free from AIDS, for everyone, everywhere.
