Get to Know Your Feminist Organisations in Zambia

Feminism in Zambia has been a growing force for change, championing gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice. Over the years, feminist organisations have emerged as crucial players in addressing gender-based violence, promoting women’s political participation, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate inequality. Whether you’re seeking to collaborate, learn, or support these movements, understanding the work of feminist organisations in Zambia is a vital first step.

The Role of Feminist Organisations

Feminist organisations in Zambia are at the forefront of advocacy, education, and empowerment. They work to dismantle patriarchal structures by engaging with policymakers, creating awareness, and providing safe spaces for women and girls. These groups focus on key areas such as:

  1. Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Raising awareness and offering support to survivors.
  2. Economic Empowerment: Equipping women with skills and resources to achieve financial independence.
  3. Leadership and Governance: Encouraging women to participate in political and civic leadership roles.
  4. Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR): Promoting access to healthcare and information.

Below are some of the notable feminist organisations in Zambia making a difference.

1. Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC)

Founded: 1985

Focus Areas: Women’s empowerment, gender equality, and advocacy

NGOCC is one of Zambia’s oldest feminist networks, with over 100 affiliate organisations. It works to influence public policy and ensure that women’s voices are included in decision-making processes. Through training, mentorship, and grassroots mobilization, NGOCC empowers women to take leadership positions and champion gender equality in their communities.

Key Projects:

  1. Advocating for the enactment and implementation of gender-responsive laws.
  2. Supporting women candidates in local and national elections.
  3. Promoting access to education for girls in rural areas.

2. Young Women in Action (YWA)

Founded: 2002

Focus Areas: Youth empowerment and leadership

Young Women in Action targets young women and girls, encouraging them to become leaders in their communities. The organisation uses mentorship programs, workshops, and campaigns to address issues such as early marriage, GBV, and access to education.

Key Initiatives:

  1. Campaigns against child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
  2. Entrepreneurship training for young women.
  3. Advocacy for SRHR among adolescent girls.

3. Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia

Founded: 2020

Focus Areas: GBV, SRHR, and mental health

Sistah Sistah Foundation is a feminist movement driven by young women to create safe spaces for discussions on issues affecting women and girls in Zambia. The organisation gained attention for its annual March Against GBV, a high-profile event that sparks national conversations about gender-based violence.

Notable Work:

  1. Providing counseling services for GBV survivors.
  2. Organizing workshops on mental health and self-care.
  3. Advocacy for the decriminalisation of abortion.

4. Women for Change (WfC)

Founded: 1992

Focus Areas: Rural development and gender equity

Women for Change works predominantly in rural areas, where women face significant socio-economic challenges. By blending feminist principles with community development, WfC ensures that rural women have access to education, land rights, and income-generating opportunities.

Key Programs:

  1. Literacy and adult education for women in rural communities.
  2. Land rights advocacy for female farmers.
  3. Promoting gender-sensitive approaches to climate change adaptation.

5. Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL)

Founded: 1991

Focus Areas: Women’s political participation and leadership

ZNWL focuses on increasing the number of women in decision-making positions, particularly in politics. The organisation trains aspiring female leaders and lobbies for gender quotas in government and corporate spaces.

Key Achievements:

  1. Training over 1,000 women candidates for local government elections.
  2. Partnering with political parties to increase female representation.
  3. Promoting mentorship programs for young women interested in leadership.

6. Feminist Coalition of Zambia (FemCoZed)

Founded: 2023

Focus Areas: Intersectional feminism and policy advocacy

FemCoZed is a relatively new but impactful organisation working to ensure inclusivity in feminist activism. The coalition addresses issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion, and racial justice, alongside traditional feminist agendas.

Ongoing Work:

  1. Lobbying for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
  2. Hosting public forums on intersectionality.
  3. Empowering marginalised groups through community programs.

7. Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)

Founded: 1957

Focus Areas: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Child Protection, Women and Youth Empowerment, HIV/AIDS Awareness and Support, and Community Outreach and Advocacy

A cornerstone of feminist advocacy in Zambia, YWCA offers shelter, legal assistance, and counseling services to survivors of gender-based violence. Their programs target young girls and women, teaching them about their rights and equipping them with skills to break cycles of poverty and abuse.

Notable Contributions:

YWCA Zambia has been instrumental in creating safe spaces for women and children across the country. Its shelters for GBV survivors and advocacy for women's rights have earned it national and regional recognition as a leader in gender justice.

8. Feminists for Climate Action Zambia (FCAZ)

Founded: 2018

Focus Areas: Climate Justice Advocacy, Sustainable Livelihoods for Women, Community Education and Awareness, Research and Policy Recommendations, and Youth Engagement

Combining environmental and gender advocacy, this organisation highlights how climate change disproportionately affects women. They engage in community-based climate adaptation projects and advocate for policies that consider gender equity in environmental solutions.

Impact:

FCAZ has been instrumental in bridging the gap between feminist and environmental movements in Zambia. By addressing climate change through a gender lens, the organisation ensures that women are not just victims of environmental degradation but active agents of change.

9. Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA)

Education for Empowerment

FAWEZA is part of the larger regional FAWE network, dedicated to promoting education for girls and women as a fundamental tool for equality.

Achievements

  1. Scholarship Programs: Providing financial aid to girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
  2. School Advocacy: Partnering with schools to create girl-friendly environments and eliminate barriers to education.
  3. STEM Initiatives: Encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

10. Gender Justice Foundation (GJF)

Bridging Policy and Practice

Gender Justice Foundation works to ensure gender-sensitive policies are implemented and monitored at all levels of governance.

Key Areas

  1. Policy Advocacy: Engaging with government bodies to improve gender laws.
  2. Research and Data: Conducting studies to identify gaps in gender equality efforts.
  3. Capacity Building: Training stakeholders to understand and uphold gender-sensitive approaches.

How You Can Get Involved

  1. Volunteer: Many organisations welcome volunteers for community outreach, research, and events.
  2. Donate: Financial support is vital for sustaining these organisations' programs.
  3. Spread Awareness: Share their work on social media or within your networks.
  4. Join Movements: Participate in marches, workshops, and campaigns.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While feminist organisations in Zambia have achieved significant milestones, they face challenges such as limited funding, cultural resistance, and political pushback. Despite these obstacles, their resilience and dedication continue to inspire hope for a more equitable Zambia.

As we engage with these organisations, let’s remember that feminism is not just about women’s rights—it’s about creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

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How to Donate

To support The Catalyst Collective, you can make a direct deposit using the banking details below: 

- Bank Name: Stanbic Bank Zambia 

- Account Name: Carol Phiri 

- Account Number: 9130006654278 

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Every contribution matters and brings us one step closer to achieving our mission. Thank you for believing in our vision and for standing with us as we create positive change. Let’s build a better tomorrow—together!

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