(Times of Zambia)-When Females Lead founder Mizinga Melu has urged the business community, especially women to take advantage of the improved business environment to forge partnerships. Meanwhile, When Females Lead patron Mulenga Kapwepwe urged for a change in mindset to overcome gender stereotypes hindering the progress of women in various facets of life.
Speaking during a ‘Women in the boardroom’ mentorship programme at Kitwe’s Garden Court on Saturday, Ms Melu who is Absa Bank Zambia managing director said women in business should take advantage of the debt restructuring to prosper through partnerships.
“The environment for doing business in Zambia is improving, let us take advantage of the debt restructuring among other conditions in the economy to forge partnerships and drive the economy of the Copperbelt,” she said.
Ms Melu observed that even during the difficult time when they were issues at Konkola Copper Mine and Mopani Copper Mine among others, some women-led businesses continued flourishing.
She said her organisation would continue on its mentorship programme to enable women earn a place in the boardroom and beyond.
Ms Melu said currently, her organisation through local and global partners were currently sponsoring around 35 ladies pursuing various programmes at the universities in the country.
He said the organisation would also continue on its charity works to complement government efforts in eradicating poverty and inequalities.
During the same event, Ms Kapwepwe said for women to overcome gender stereotypes, the women folk need mindset change.
“I am here to encourage you to form consortiums, there is greatness in numbers, you should pursue your dreams and let the world recognise you for your input and not favours. I have always told myself to put in the best and not depend on the Kapwepwe name,” she told the audience.
Other speakers during the mentorship programme included Standard Chartered Bank Zambia managing director Sonny Zulu who also urged women to recognise their worth. World Wild Fund for Nature country director
Nachilala Nkombo and MTN Fintech chief executive officer Komba Malukutila were among the speakers during the mentorship programme.
More than 280 women on the Copperbelt attended the mentorship programme.
