Women Influencers Zambia inspires young females at the 2022 forum

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BE the inspiration, was the theme for the 2022 Women Influencers Zambia forum held in Lusaka on November 5 aimed at sharing inspirational testimonies among young female influencers from diverse spheres of human endeavours, reports Francis Lungu.

The women influencers concept started in 2017 and events of similar nature to inspire women have been held across the globe; France, Mexico and Russia among other countries.

The manifesto of Women Influence was authored by Yanina Dubeykovskaya of the Russian House Zambia.

In her opening speech for the 2022 edition of Women Influencers Zambia, Ms. Dubeykovskaya said the forum is anchored on identifying women, especially young females making a difference in shaping the future.

She says Women Influencers Zambia promotes values such as equal rights and balanced partnerships with men.

“We believe in authentic role models who are influential and understand their choice in shaping the future through inspiring other young females and girls,” she said.

Women from different sectors took turns on the podium sharing their respective inspirational stories of extraordinary attainments, against all odds in most cases.

The speakers were segmented under different panels of speciality which included being a professional, moderated by Dr. Chapwa Kasoma, a researcher in biodiversity and agriculture technologies.

Being a citizen was a panel that was moderated by Musonda Kapena, co-founder of Namfumu Conversation Trust.

Being a muse was a panel moderated by 2022 nominee for the Best Female Model, Precious Ng’oma and it was a solitary panel featuring Easter Namunga, a musician specialising in local language songs. Namunga is also an actress in DStv local drama, Chokolo.

Being an entrepreneur was moderated by Anna Phiri, an entrepreneur and a teacher.

Other panels included mother panel which featured Gerry Nyoni Sihuba, mentor in youth ministry and Lucy Malila, teacher of children with special needs.

There was also creator panel featuring Hannah Siliya, a graphic designer and winner of 2022 Women in Tech Award, Juan Hill Rodgers fondly known as Keisha Forest, a spoken word artist and Judith Sampa Chilibouy, photographer and artist, all moderated by Nchawaka Kanyama.

The event was punctuated by a brief fashion show, cat walk parade from the Kalingalinga Girls.

Kalingalinga Girls is an initiative that identifies disadvantaged girls and motivates them to realise their potential.

Delivering her keynote speech dubbed “Identifying Zambian female role models: A look at Gabriel Ellison, the woman that designed the Zambian Flag,” Victoria Chitungu says there are a number of women who made huge contributions in shaping what Zambia is today but that little was said or documented about their works.

Ms. Chitungu says Ms. Ellison lived from 1930 to 2017, grew up in Southern Province and that her works and contributions to the country’s identify were immense.

Apart from the Zambian Flag, Ms. Ellison designed the Coat of Arms, the Speaker’s Mace, a symbol of authority to pass legislation in the National Assembly of Zambia.

Ms. Ellison also designed the initial Zambian Kwacha and Ngwee currency.

“Zambia’s identity is appreciated today because of the contribution of women like Ms. Ellison. She also designed (postage) stamps. This promoted Zambia’s history and culture to the world through different images on stamps depicting the country’s activities,” Ms. Chitungu says.

The 2022 Women Influencers Zambia event was also graced by a special guest, Inna Stepashkina, a lawyer specialised in family law based in Moscow, Russia.

Ms. Stepashkina shared the importance of understanding basic family law for better interaction between women and men.

Russian House director, Alexandr Asiminov who guested the forum said the Russian House will continue supporting Women Influencers Zambia as it is a noble course.

“It is good to support women who are making an impact in different spheres of life as they inspire others. Women and men complement each other for a united future,” Asiminov said.