Our partnership villages in Zambia launched the Women Action Group (WAG) initiative, a program adapted from Shanta’s long-running Women’s Group Discussion model in Myanmar (active since 2010). Shanta’s Global Program Manager, Khai, first trained our Zambian staff in May 2025, who then equipped 16 local women leaders to begin facilitating the program. The response was remarkable: 100% participation from the leaders and weekly development sessions that quickly drew in more than 100 women from the partnership communities.
The sessions focus on practical and empowering topics: women in leadership, reproductive health, gender equity and rights, financial literacy, and climate change, including how to adapt for smart farming. Accessibility has been a priority, with translated handouts and a community radio program ensuring broad reach. Peer-to-peer learning, led by the trained women, has already strengthened confidence, mobilization, and women’s ability to influence decisions within their villages.
Launching a New Chapter for the Women of Nachili Village
For many years, women in southern Zambia had little to no voice in community decision-making. Deeply rooted cultural norms, male-dominated leadership structures, and low self-confidence often left women believing that leadership was for “others”, particularly educated men. This silence excluded women from shaping the very decisions that affected their families and communities.
That is beginning to change. Mervis Mweemba, a 32-year-old mother from Nachili, is one of 16 women trained in 2025 through the Women Action Group (WAG) leadership initiative. At first, Mervis struggled with low self-esteem, finding it difficult to lead discussions or raise her voice. But with every session she facilitated, her confidence grew. Today, Mervis leads weekly sessions with 11 women, creating a safe space where women openly discuss community issues, share solutions, and encourage one another to step into leadership roles.
These sessions have already sparked a transformation: women are claiming space, engaging in community discussions, and beginning to challenge long-held cultural barriers. They have even created their own meeting spot under a tree, a powerful symbol of grassroots leadership taking root. Though these are early steps, they mark the beginning of a profound shift toward women’s participation and voice. Donor support is helping women like Mervis to believe in themselves, inspire others, and plant the seeds of leadership that will strengthen entire communities for generations to come.
“I realized that if I don’t speak out, my silence becomes agreement, even when I have a better idea.”
— Mervis Mweemba, Women Action Group Leader