Global Zambian Excellence: Celebrating Our Women on International Women’s Day
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, the Organization of Zambians Abroad (OZA) pauses to celebrate the incredible strength, leadership, and “Ubuntu” spirit of the women in our diaspora community.
Being a Zambian woman abroad is a unique journey. It requires the resilience to thrive in new professional landscapes while remaining deeply anchored in the heritage of home. Today, we don’t just celebrate individual success—we celebrate how our women reach back to lift others
Partners in Progress:
In the spirit of this year’s global call to action, OZA is proud to highlight the transformative work being led by Zambian women in the diaspora. Their commitment proves that distance is no barrier to making a difference.
Atlanta Zambian Women With Influence (AZWWI)
Atlanta Zambian Women With Influence (AZWWI): We are honored to spotlight the vital work of this organization. The Atlanta Zambian Women With Influence (AZWWI), a Georgia-based nonprofit, empowers women and children in Zambia through education, healthcare, and socioeconomic programs, supporting over 140 orphan girls at Lukomba Primary and Secondary School.
The foundation has also put 24 students in university. Their dedication to providing solar-powered water systems and educational resources is a testament to the power of the diaspora to drive sustainable change.
Winnie Musonda Hope Foundation
Winnie Musonda Hope Foundation established over 15 years ago to support children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Zambia. Their mission is to bring hope, support, and opportunity to vulnerable children and youth through youth empowerment, mentorship, and educational support initiatives. Key team members include Co-Founder Malita Mbewe Moncrieffe, Director of Accounting Bupe Mwape, and Chief Advisor Paul Tembo. We remain committed to uplifting communities and empowering the next generation.
Home for God's Children
Home for God’s Children: Compassion is a cornerstone of our culture, and “Home for God’s Children” (associated with the Loving God’s Children initiative) demonstrates this daily. By focusing on the most vulnerable—orphaned children and widows—this organization provides more than just aid; they provide a future. Through education, vocational training, and healthcare in communities like Mufulira, they ensure that the next generation of Zambian girls has the foundation to dream big.
WISE Zambia (Women’s Initiatives that Strengthen and Empower)
WISE Zambia (Women’s Initiatives that Strengthen and Empower) was initially founded by Margaret Mundia in 2004 in Kaoma, Western Province, after several years working with Habitat For Humanity volunteers, led by Lynn Twitchell from Maine. The US branch formed in 2005 to support the Zambian women in their work of empowerment, skills training and education. www.wisezambia.org
WISE began its current educational empowerment program in 2013 at the inspiration of several teachers in Zambia’s Western Province, with the hire of Maggie Indopu Wamunyima as Executive Director. Her goal is that 75% of its scholarship students be girls, due to traditional early marriage practices, early pregnancy, gender-based violence and traditional attitudes that boys are more deserving of education. Boys with no resources make up 25% of WISE’s students.
In 2025, WISE supported 106 students in more than 20 tertiary institutions across Zambia and now has a total of 55 college and nursing school graduates, expecting that 35 more will graduate in 2026.
Evan Haglund joined WISE as a board member in the US in 2012, and has served as US Executive Director since 2019. Joanne (Jo-Jo) Bollinger, WISE Board CoChair, has enjoyed her collaboration with OZA for several years, both at Independence Day celebrations and with many individuals in the diaspora across the US.
WISE believes that it will have succeeded when each of its students has achieved their potential and, more importantly, will have the ability to give back to their families, communities, and country. Thus, all of WISE Zambia’s program is founded on six core principles:
High-Hanging Fruit—WISE serves underserved or unserved communities, going into remote villages in search of students who will benefit from educational support in secondary school and beyond
At OZA, we recognize that the “Zambian Dream” is built on the shoulders of our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Whether they are pioneering in the IT sector, managing healthcare agencies, or leading community organizations, Zambian women abroad are our greatest ambassadors.
To the women of the diaspora: Your work does not go unnoticed. You are the bridge between where we are and where we come from. You are the heart of OZA.
Happy International Women’s Day!
#IWD2026 #ZambianWomenAbroad #OZA #ZambianExcellence #AZWWI #HomeForGodsChildren
Happy Women’s Day!
You know you’re called to fulfill your life’s purpose on earth? Celebrate you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Woman!
Nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is brave, strong, and emboldened because of who Christ is in her. Arise in your unique, authentic self. Your voice and feelings matter.
You are loved, capable, strong, and enough.
– She is clothed with strength and dignity.- Proverbs 31:25
– You are God’s masterpiece. – Ephesians 2:10
– I can do all this through him. – Philippians 4:13
Believe in your potential! Rise up and shine!
AngieCee
PAC
