Graduate Women Zambia - GWZ

GWZ Leaders Champion Women's Education at U.S. Embassy Zambia Bicentennial Event

Lusaka, March 31, 2026 – The Graduate Women Zambia (GWZ) leadership took its place at the forefront of an international dialogue on education on 31st March, 2026, as Dr. Annie Musonda-Mubanga, GWZ President, and Dr. Margaret Mwale-Mkandawire, GWZ Vice President, attended a high-level panel discussion hosted by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Zambia.

Held in commemoration of Women's History Month and the 250th anniversary of the United States, the event "Celebrating Women's Achievements in Education" brought together leading Zambian women in education, including government officials, NGO representatives and education startups.

Dr. Musonda, who also serves as Convenor of the Education Committee for Graduate Women International, joined the panel of influential education leaders, including Professor Nkandu Luo (Former Education Minister, Microbiologist and HIV/AIDS pioneer)
Dr. Margret Mwale-Mkandawire ( UNZA lecturer/ GWZ vice president), Dr. Pamela Chirwa-Banda (MoE's Assistant Director- University Edu/ GWZ treasurer), Ms. Melody Chisanga (Founder of Thrive Aid), Dr. Christine Mushibwe (Unicaf Zambia Vice Chancellor),Ms. Namenda Malupande (Executive Director of CAMFED Zambia), Ms. Mabel Mung'omba (Board Chairperson for World Vision Zambia), and other notable educators, directors and founders in the education sector; to share insights on mentorship, overcoming challenges and creating educational opportunities for women and girls.

The discussion was skillfully facilitated by multi-award-winning journalist Ms. Pennipher Sikainda.

The event also celebrated the legacy of American and Zambian women who have driven educational excellence by providing a powerful networking platform.

The U.S. Embassy commended all participants for their contributions, with attendees noting the event as a landmark moment for collaborative action in Zambian education.

Event host Ms. Ketty Kabaso, Education Outreach Coordinator at EducationUSA Zambia, concluded, "I am thrilled you positively responded to our invitation. We hope this is the beginning of partnerships as we collaboratively advance the frontiers of quality education."

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About Graduate Women Zambia (GWZ):
GWZ is dedicated to advancing women's access to higher education, leadership and professional development. It also serves as the Zambian national affiliate of Graduate Women International. Visit our website for more information at www.graduatewomenzambia.org

🎓 GRADUATE WOMEN ZAMBIA OFFICIATES 4TH GRADUATION AT STAR SHINE ACADEMY

The President of Graduate Women of Zambia (GWZ), Dr. Annie Musonda-Mubanga, served as the Guest of Honour at the 4th Graduation Ceremony of Star Shine Academy in Chongwe District of Lusaka Province on Friday, 5th December 2025.

The ceremony, held under the theme "Igniting Minds, Illuminating Futures," celebrated the achievements of young graduates from Reception, Grade 4 and Grade 7.

Awards recognized achievements in academic excellence, exceptional JETS performance and the Character Building programme. Teachers and other staff were also awarded for outstanding performance in various categories.

In her keynote address, Dr. Musonda highlighted the importance of foundational education and character building. She commended the academy for nurturing young minds and thanked the teachers and parents for their unwavering support.

GWZ remains committed to advancing education and empowering communities across Zambia. This engagement underscores our dedication to inspiring the next generation of leaders and learners.

Congratulations to all the graduates of Star Shine Academy! Your future is as bright as stars. ✨

🎉 Historic Day for Women’s Leadership in Zambia! 🎓

Graduate Women Zambia (GWZ) celebrated excellence and forged powerful partnerships at Chalimbana University’s 10th Graduation Ceremony on 12 December 2025.

🌟 Highlights of the Day:

•GWZ honoured 8 outstanding women for their leadership and advocacy.

•Juliet Hamusale received the Best Performing Female Leadership Award for her role as Student Union Off-Campus Minister.

•In a groundbreaking move, GWZ conferred Honorary Lifetime Full Memberships to seven Royal Highnesses—traditional leaders whom six also graduated with degrees in Leadership and Governance, recognising their tireless work for women and girls in their chiefdoms. This event was witnessed by Government and Academic officials.

👑 The Honoured Royal Highnesses:

1. HRH Dr. Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II
2. HRH Chieftainess Nyakulenga
3. HRH Chieftainess Muwezwa I
4. HRH Chieftainess Kawaza
5. HRH Chieftainess Msoro
6. HRH Chieftainess Sekute
7. HRH Chieftainess Mkanda

💬 Dr. Musonda, GWZ President, said: “We are building a seamless bridge of mentorship and impact by uniting traditional leadership with the next generation of female advocates.”

The initiative has already received public praise, including from Hon. Twaambo Mutinta, MP for Itezhi-Tezhi, who applauded the recognition of HRH Chieftainess Muwezwa I.

This is more than an award ceremony—it’s a movement toward a stronger, unified network of women leading change across Zambia. 🙌

🔗 Learn more about GWZ’s work and membership: www.graduatewomenzambia.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zambian University Women now Confirmed to Key Global Roles on International Stage

17 November 2025 – LUSAKA, Zambia – In a historic achievement that amplifies Zambia's voice in global education and development, multiple members of Graduate Women Zambia (GWZ) have confirmed in appointment to pivotal committees of Graduate Women International (GWI) for the 2026-2028 term. This unprecedented representation, following successful elections at the 35th General Assembly in September 2025, positions Zambia at the heart of international decision-making concerning education advocacy, fellowships, membership growth and community projects.

Why This is a Big Deal for Zambia?_ 🇿🇲

You've heard the news, but do you know what it MEANS?

Having four seats in four global committees of Graduate Women International (GWI) entails adding a voice:

📌 EDUCATION POLICY – Dr. Annie Musonda, now Convenor of the committee, will help set the worldwide education agenda for women and girls.

💷 RESEARCH MONEY – Prof. Anne Sikwibele will help decide which female scientists and PhD researchers receive international funding.

🌱 COMMUNITY PROJECTS – Dr. Eunice Imasiku will guide sustainable development initiatives that impact communities globally.

🤝 GLOBAL NETWORK – Dr. Margaret Mwale will help shape how the entire international organization for university women grows and connects.

This remarkable achievement is seen as a direct result of Zambia's consistent advocacy and the demonstrated excellence of its women graduates, further bolstered by the country's successful hosting of a memorable 35th Triennial General Assembly for over 100 delegates from 21 countries, across continents. It unequivocally signals the country's ascending role in international diplomacy and women's empowerment through quality education.

Learn more about GWI and its work: 🔗GWI Committees: https://graduatewomen.org/who-we-are/our-leadership/committees-working-groups/ 🔗GWI Partners: https://graduatewomen.org/our-partners/

GWI Committees - Graduate Women International (GWI) Committees 2026-2028   GWI Committees play a vital role within the organisation. Here is a brief description of their function:

PARTNERSHIPS🎉👏🏽

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in our journey of promoting education, innovation, and women’s empowerment!

On 25th August 2025, the Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Graduate Women Zambia. This strategic partnership marks the beginning of a collaborative journey in support of the Graduate Women International (GWI) 35th Triennial General Assembly and Conference.

This MoU underscores our mutual commitment to fostering gender equity, capacity building, and meaningful participation of women in leadership, education, and development.

At ZRDC, we believe that empowering women through research, innovation, and collaboration is key to sustainable national progress. We are honored to partner with Graduate Women Zambia and support the global agenda set by Graduate Women International - GWI and Graduate Women Zambia - GWZ.

Stay tuned as we unveil joint programs, opportunities, and transformative initiatives that will emerge from this powerful collaboration.

Graduate Women Zambia successfully hosted the welcome reception ahead of the Graduate Women International 35th Triennial General Assembly and Conference:

delegates were from a wide array of nations, including Australia 🇦🇺, Austria 🇦🇹, Bolivia 🇧🇴, Cameroon 🇨🇲, Canada 🇨🇦, Egypt 🇪🇬, Fiji 🇫🇯, Ghana 🇬🇭, India 🇮🇳, Ireland 🇮🇪, Japan 🇯🇵, Netherlands 🇳🇱, New Zealand 🇳🇿, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱, South Africa 🇿🇦, Switzerland 🇨🇭, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, the United States 🇺🇸 and Zambia 🇿🇲.

GWZ was thrilled to work with you
👏🏽🎉

Graduate Women Zambia celebrated their 35th Trilinennal General Assembly.
Congratulations 🎉 GWZ Graduate Women Zambia - GWZ