FOR many, being light-skinned may appear to be a ticket to easy opportunities, but for Jemima Bweupe, her skin tone has come with painful lessons.
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Speaking during the Unwind and Connect Networking Mixer held yesterday, the Apple Bite Entertainment CEO and Founder opened up about the harsh realities she has faced in her journey as a young female entrepreneur, disclosing how colourism nearly shattered her ambitions in the corporate world.
Known for her work as a communications and PR strategist, Bweupe revealed that her light skin often becomes a weapon used against her, with some people expecting her to compromise her values just because of her appearance.
This is because there is a common misconception that most light skinned have great greater access to opportunities and privileges due to the skin colour which allegedly makes them easy targets to compromise on their morals.
Standing confidently in front of fellow entrepreneurs and professionals, Bweupe narrated that her physical appearance has often been misunderstood and weaponised against her in professional settings.
“It hasn’t been an easy road because people look at me and just see this young girl, you know, small, I’m not so much of heels, and with my colour, people expect me to be all over,” she shared.
The 27-year old CEO explained that whenever she walked into rooms filled with decision-makers, people were quick to make assumptions about her often expecting her to use her looks to get ahead.
She recalled how, in the early days of her career, she approached several institutions and individuals to pitch her business ideas, only to be met with propositions that undermined her worth and values.
“I can confidently tell you that it turned out to be so bad, such that I was asked to compromise my worth, my dignity, and my value,” Bweupe revealed.
Despite the pressures, she said she stood her ground and walked away from such offers, choosing instead to focus on her long-term goals.
Bweupe urged young women to stay true to themselves, warning against compromising dignity for temporary gains.
Through her platforms, she remains committed to sparking meaningful conversations around women’s rights, business ethics, and mental health, positioning herself as one of Zambia’s inspiring young voices in entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Through programmes like the networking mixers, she has opened doors of opportunities for young people in terms of business and mentorship.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 12, 2025
