On the 22nd of March 2024, ZAM hosted the 4th Women in Industry Training and Ladies Soiree under the theme “Accelerating Equality in Manufacturing through economic empowerment.” The Training was aimed at equipping women with necessary skills needed for business growth whilst the Ladies Soiree was a platform for ladies to network and share business ideas in a social and comfortable environment. Additionally, the Soiree was used to appreciate women who have transformed from Micro enterprises to Medium-sized enterprises through an award ceremony.
The Women in Industry training was graced by her Honor Mrs. W.K Mutale Nalumango, the Republican Vice President of Zambia, who commended ZAM for spearheading the women in industry training. She acknowledged the progress that has been made concerning gender equality but stressed that more needed to be done. Reminding women in attendance of the prioritization of their interests in President Hichilema’s administration. The Honourable Minister Chipoka Mulenga, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry was in attendance. Also present was Mrs. Subeta K. Mutelo the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Mrs Lillian Kapusana the Permanent Secretary Administration Office of the Vice President and Mrs. Mavis Nkomeshya the Permanent Secretary for Resettlement with the Office of the Vice President. The ZAM Vice President- South, Ms. Fronscen Haloba was also present.
The Training encouraged women to enhance their participation in the growth of the industry and economy through a testimonial from Kim Otteby the founder of Umoyo Natural Health, a Business Master class by Mrs Sylvia Banda the founder of Sylvia Foods. Mrs Bridget Kambobe highlighted the importance of being resilient as women in business. The training also featured one of our key partners ZANACO and lastly a panel discussion featuring Zambia Bureau of Standards(ZABs), Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC) Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA). The above panel discussion served as conclusion to the morning and early afternoon activities.
In the evening, we hosted the Ladies Soiree, the event provided a chance for all involved to celebrate strides women have and continue to make. The Soiree was graced by Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, the Finnish Ambassador, who commended ZAM for creating a platform where women can interact and share ideas on how to grow their participation in the industry. Also present was Mrs. Subeta K. Mutelo the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. The Soiree was also platform for ladies to network and award women. The Awards aimed at recognizing the outstanding contributions of women-led businesses in Zambia and celebrating women who have been exceptional in their fields. Winners included:
- Grandma Quest Mealies Limited as the Emerging Entrepreneur,
- Umoyo Natural Health won the Innovation Award and
- Sylva Foods Limited won the Social Impact Award.
Throughout the Training and Ladies Soiree, which were both collaborative and participatory, the women in attendance were provided a wealth of information from distinguished and prominent women in industry. Many left inspired and invigorated to continue charting their paths in Manufacturing and growing the collective prominence of women in what has been a traditionally male-dominated sector.
