By Owamie Kutemba Makayi
Across
Zambia, women are the backbone of the economy. They dominate the agricultural
sector, run thriving small businesses, and contribute significantly to the
labor force. Despite their immense contributions, many women face systemic
barriers that limit their full economic participation. Addressing these
challenges is not just about achieving gender equality- it’s about unlocking
Zambia’s full economic potential.
Empowering
women economically leads to higher household incomes, stronger communities, and
national economy, the challenges they face, and the urgent need for polices
that support their participation in economic development.
1. Women
in Key Economic Sectors
a) Agriculture:
Feeding the Nation
Agriculture
remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, and women form the majority of
small-scale farmers. They grow food, sell produce, and sustain rural economies.
However, despite their contributions, they face challenges such as:
-
Limited access to land due to traditional
inheritance laws.
-
Lack of financial resources to invest in
modern farming methods.
-
Limited access to training and technology
that could boost productivity.
Solution:
To
maximize women’s agricultural contributions, the government and private sector
must invest in programs that provide women with land ownership rights, farming
equipment, and financial support. Expanding access to agricultural cooperatives
and markets will further empower women to scale their farming businesses.
b) Entrepreneurship
and Small Businesses: The Heart of the Informal Economy
Women
dominate Zambia’s informal sector, running businesses in trading, tailoring,
food processing, and hairdressing. These businesses contribute significantly to
the economy but often remain small due to:
-
Limited access to credit and loans from
banks.
-
Lack of business training and mentorship.
- Social and cultural norms that discourage business expansion.
Solution:
Financial institutions should develop gender-responsive loan programs with lower interest rates and flexible repaying plans. Additionally, business mentorship programs can equip women with skills to scale their enterprises. The government should also simplify business registration processes to help more women formalize their businesses and access larger markets.
c) Women in the Workforce: Closing the Gender Gap
Women
play essential roles in Zambia’s education, healthcare and service industries.
However, gender disparities persist:
-
Women earn lower wages than men for the
same work.
-
Few
women hold leadership and managerial positions.
- Workplace policies often lack support for working mothers, such as paid maternity leave and childcare services.
Solution:
Strengthening labor laws to ensure equal pay, increasing leadership training programs for women, and implementing family-friendly workplace policies will encourage more women to enter and remain in the formal workforce.
2. Challenges Limiting Women’s Full Economic Participation
While
women play a central role in economic growth, they continue to face significant
challenges, including:
-
Financial Exclusion: Many women lack
access to credit due to the requirement for collateral, which they often do not
own.
-
Cultural and Social Barriers: Traditional
gender roles can limit women’s business expansion and workforce participation.
-
Education and Skills Gap: Many women lack
formal education and business training, making it harder to compete in the
economy.
Addressing these
challenges is essential to ensure that women reach their full economic
potential.
3. Why Investing in Women Boosts the Economy
Economic studies show that when women have equal access to financial resources and business opportunities, national income rises. According to the World Bank, closing gender gaps in economic participation could add billions of dollars to Africa’s GDP.
Investing
in women has a multiplier effect:
-
Women reinvest up to 90% of their income
back into their families and communities.
-
Higher earnings among women lead to better
education and healthcare for children.
- Women-owned businesses create more jobs and strengthen local economies.
A Call to Action
Women are not just participants in Zambia’s economy-they are key drivers of growth and development. However, to fully harness their potential, there is a need for stronger policies, better financial inclusion, and cultural shifts that support women’s economic empowerment.
The government, private
sector, and development partners must:
1. Expand
women’s access to land, credit, and
financial resources.
2. Strengthen
labor laws and workplace policies to
promote gender equality.
3. Support
women’s entrepreneurship through
training and mentorship.
A
stronger economy starts with empowered women. The question is, are we ready to
invest in them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
