Fortunata Songora Makene (PhD) is a development sociologist and Executive Director of Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) with over 20 years of leadership experience in research, policy, and development. Her expertise spans development sociology, gender, and social protection, with extensive engagement in academic and policy research. She has authored and coauthored over 30 publications addressing socio-economic reforms, gender equity, women’s and girls’ economic empowerment, children’s rights, urbanization, and women’s leadership. Prof. Makene has taught Sociology, Global Studies, and Women’s Studies at Worcester State University (USA) and previously held senior research leadership roles at UONGOZI Institute and ESRF. She serves on Tanzania’s National Advisory Committee for the Generation Equality Forum and is a recipient of the 2022 Phenomenal Woman of Worth Award.