I have always been an advocate of celebrating Women’s Day, but never before have I been part of any festivity or organized activity related to it. Hence, this year’s commemoration was extra special for me as I was able to actively participate in events that tackled real issues concerning the plight of women in Zambia—not just once, but three times over.

On March 6, I assisted the Zambia National Women’s Lobby Group in conducting a workshop on entrepreneurship for women from poor villages here in Mazabuka, in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Financing for Gender Equality”.

On March 7, I and my fellow HIV/AIDS Peer Educators from the Council (now also known as “Pia Educators” ) conducted a sensitization seminar on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its impact on women. Preparing for the session was draining and the whole process was not without hitches. Nevertheless, seeing all those 80+ women (and several men who care about their well-being) from all corners of Mazabuka gathered in our good ol’ Council Chamber— enthusiastically participating in the activities and genuinely wanting to learn as much as they can about the issue at hand— was well worth all the toil and moil that went into putting together this event.:)

On March 8, I joined the Women’s celebration in Chikankata—an isolated area within Mazabuka District characterized by long, rough roads and warm, friendly people. The gathering was participated in by numerous women from far-flung villages who had to travel 12-20 kilometers by foot just to take part in such a rare community event. I never saw so many Zambian women gathered in one place all at the same time! The lively march, the colourful dances and “sketches” (short plays), the exhibition of local products made by various women’s groups, and the charitable auction that culminated the programme—all of these taken together made this one of my most favorite community gatherings in Zambia so far.

In a country where 85% of females believe that “a husband is justified in beating his wife” (Zambia Demographic Health Survey, 2006), women empowerment seems to be an impossibly daunting task. It is not everyday that women here come together for opportunities to learn new things, stand up for something, and find hope in themselves. But when they do—one, two, three times over— that gives us something truly worth celebrating and aspiring for.

~pol, 3/14/08