IN the wake of a sobering reality where early marriage has become a new normal, with approximately 400 million African girls being forced into child marriage and a further 250 million denied education due to lack of funds, the women in business have been called upon to confront these issues.
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Women entrepreneurs have been urged to rise to the challenge, using their expertise and influence to drive meaningful change.
This came to light after the Zambia Federation Associations of Women in Businesses (ZFAWIB) announced the graduation of 83 dynamic women who completed the “Women Creating Wealth” programme.
The programme’s purpose which is in partnership with Graca Machel Trust (GMT) is aimed to address the issues faced by women and adolescent girls at the national, regional, and continent-wide levels, by advancing their economic and social standing.
It also not only bolsters women’s financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills but also lays the groundwork of a brighter, more prosperous future for Zambian women and young girls.
Speaking when 83 Women in business graduated during a ‘Women Creating Wealth’ Country Forum in Lusaka yesterday, Graca Machel Trust Director of Programmes, Siphira Chisha challenged the women in business, imploring them to leverage their expertise and experience to combat the devastating realities of early marriage in Africa.
Chisha urged the women entrepreneurs to use their skills, knowledge and resources to address this pressing issue, ultimately improving the lives of young girls across the globe.
She emphasised the organisation’s commitment to empowering women and improving their livelihoods.
“We are training women to help other women, especially the young, to attain a better life. Our programme exists in 20 African countries to promote social and economic transformation for women and girls, with a particular focus on enhancing their entrepreneurial skills,” she said.
Chisha explained that the organisation’s goal is to train leaders in a range of skills such as leadership and financial literacy and enable them to become authentic and ethical young leaders in society.
“By equipping our leaders with these skills, we believe we can create positive change and improve the lives of women and girls across Africa.”
And Graça Machel Trust in Zambia chairperson for Expert Leaders Group (ELG) Tukiya Mabula said Zambia is embracing a profound journey of change, anchored in national leadership, legal reform, and a desire to unlock its economy.
“This dedication is evident in our robust policy framework which places women’s empowerment at the heart of our national development agenda,” she said.
Meanwhile, ZFAWIB chief executive officer, Maureen Sumbwe, urged women entrepreneurs to pursue strategic alliances and take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Nevertheless, with a combined force, women entrepreneurs can bring about positive change and blaze a trail towards a future where every girl is empowered to thrive, both educationally and personally.
Story and pictures by Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 21. 2025
