The Swedish State Secretary, Ms. Diana Janse, was in Zambia to engage with partners and appreciate the implementation and progress of Sweden supported projects under the Sweden – Zambia bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Janse in the company of the Swedish Ambassador to Zambia H.E Johan Hallenborg and World Bank Senior Social Policy Specialist, Ms. Nadia Selim visited Kamvuma community of Chongwe district where the delegation interacted with members of Chikondi women’s savings group under the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods to learn on the formation and operations of the group including saving activities, time frame for meetings, loan disbursement and recovery.

The delegation encouraged the women to digitalize the savings groups to increase efficiency and transparency as opposed to using cash boxes which are potential to risks such as theft.

Further, Ms. Janse appreciated beneficiaries for the continued efforts in improving their livelihoods and wished them future success and dream big to expand income generating activities.

” I encourage you dear women to pass on the business knowledge and skill with your children and family members to ensure continued sustainable development” she said.

Speaking at the same event was Chongwe District Commissioner, Dr. Evans Lupiya who disclosed that Gender-Based Violence and poverty increase inequalities among vulnerable groups but productivity grants and savings provided to women bring transformation.

The District Commissioner also noted that empowering women brings better results as women bear societal burden at all times.

And closing the visit was the Acting Director for Community Development, Mr. Aaron Phiri who in his remarks extended gratitude to cooperating partners from the Swedish Government for the long standing partnership and support.

Acting Director, added that the support is a testimony to the power of collaboration and a driving force towards the actualization of women empowerment.