Zambia Making Strides in Closing Gender Gaps to Achieve Gender Related SDG Commitments

Gender equality has been a cause for concern across the globe. In a world where women make up almost half the world’s population, it’s imperative to include them in every aspect of life and work to unlock the real potential of every nation.

However, true equality is a distant dream. Having a closer look at Africa we see that the continent has been lagging behind when it comes to empowering women. Although efforts have been made and some headway has been made, yet a lot remains to be done. Introducing policies and practices that can boost women’s participation in the business world, especially decision-making roles must be placed as the top priority for Africa’s true economic and social growth.

Zambia, a landlocked nation in the heart of Africa is striving hard to achieve women’s empowerment. The country has been participating in various international and regional instruments which uphold women’s rights and work towards attaining gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Some of these include the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women (AU Protocol), and the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Protocol on Gender.

Other than participating in such initiatives, the country is also riding on the success of talented business women who are redefining gender roles and breaking the glass ceiling in their respective fields.

One such name is Lola Aladesanmi, CEO of BROADIMPACT, who is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in public health, education, and social development. Featured in the current edition of GWL magazine, Lola’s work focuses on fostering equity, quality, and sustainability in health and social systems, inspiring transformative impact.

Another noteworthy leader from Zambia is Lois Chisompola Sikwenda, Managing Partner, Valerie & Partners. Lois is a seasoned legal professional and dispute resolution expert, specializing in negotiation and mediation. Her practice is uniquely centred on alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with a particular emphasis on addressing commercial and civil disputes.

Muchi Mbulo, Managing Partner, Mbulo & Partners Legal, is another talented women leader driving gender parity in the Zambian law industry. With a passion for empowering startups, she leads with confidence, overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry. Her expertise spans corporate law, commercial law, and employment law, helping clients achieve legal stability and growth.

Another leader featured in the current edition of GWL magazine, is Chembo Ndinawe Litana, Founder & Director, Swalisano Advisory. Chembo is dedicated to sustainable social impact. A social entrepreneur, her journey began after experiencing donor funding cuts firsthand. She advocates for financial sustainability in impact-driven ventures, empowering leaders to build resilient, purpose-driven enterprises that drive lasting change.

Read in-depth conversations featuring these prolific women leaders from Zambia and get a glimpse of their journey to success.

Read more about these women leaders and the secret to their success.