CSRNZ Media

Celebrating Women in CSR – Kafula Kutontonkanya

in CSR / Featured / Impact  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

As we commemorate Women’s Month, we continue our series of “Celebrating Women in CSR“, to appreciate the achievements of women and inspire all of us under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, with yet another interview of Kafula Kutontonkanya, the Business Development Lead, Community Affairs Department of FQML Trident in Kalumbila.

What is your background and how did you get into CSR?

My educational journey so far has been in Banking and Finance at undergraduate level and Business Entrepreneurship at postgraduate level. My career begun at the Lusaka Stock Exchange; a real eye opener for the next six (6) years of my life that would be spent in the Corporate Banking arm of one of Africa’s leading commercial banks. In this role, my business development acumen was stimulated as I regularly went above and beyond my job description to offer financial and business management advice to clients at the Bank. Because of this, when the opportunity to take on a business development role as part of the Community Affairs department of FQM Trident Limited in Kalumbila came my way, I took it! And what an interesting time it has been! Over the last one (1) and a half years, I have had to make a drastic transition from being a Corporate Banker managing multi-national business accounts, to helping people in the most remote parts of the country with setting up, scaling up and sustaining their business. My role is a perfect fit as I have had to use my business and financial background to assess and help develop practical business solutions for the small businesses in our community.

Additionally, being a certified trainer for the “Start and Improve Your Business” training module under the International Labor Organization (ILO) program facilitated by Accelerated Growth for SMEs (AGS), has helped me share and deliver business information in a more simplified way that can be easily understood by MSMEs.

What are you passionate about in your work?

I love working with small businesses, I have always loved that. The goal is to ensure that every small business I engage understands the principles that surround business and what it takes to not only become investor-ready but self-reliant as well. To be honest, I never saw myself having a role to play in CSR, at all. In my mind, CSR was an exercise of scheduled donations for image building for a company or brand. Joining the Trident Foundation team has drastically changed my perception on this. Trident Foundation has created the space for me to use my skills, experience and networks to share business knowledge that promotes sustainable income generation. I am passionate about making a difference and having an impact. Being able to see families fend for themselves and have the dignity of work rather than waiting for handouts is a big motivator to keep on doing what we do at TFL.

Could you share one or two challenges you have experienced in your career around CSR and how you overcame them?

Dependency on the Mine – Working in an environment that hosts one of the largest copper mines in Zambia has seen quite a number of challenges with the major one being dependency on the Mine for business contracts and jobs. Whilst the Mine may be the most attractive option/target for small business houses, low-hanging opportunities that surround the Mine’s operations are often missed. This challenge has not been overcome as it is on-going but I do ensure that whenever I have a chance to engage businesses seeking direct opportunities to the Mine, I make mention of other indirect trickle-down benefits that are available as a result of the Mine’s presence.

Cultural barriers – Coming from a culture that is different from the predominant one in North-Western Province, I have encountered a few challenges with communicating effectively to some community members and fully understanding the culture and beliefs. For instance, I learnt that in the Lunda culture (where I’m working) a younger person cannot say “Hello, how are you doing?” to an older person as it is considered disrespectful. You instead request for the older person to greet you, “Ankoleshi Mwane” meaning “Please greet me”. I have slowly learnt a few basic phrases for greetings and showing appreciation, and my hope is to continue to learn more as I engage with the community. My organization has gone a step further to publish an internal cultural awareness handbook to assist with bridging the cultural gap.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in your work during COVID19? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was not being able to host trainings and capacity building programs. We had to postpone and cancel a lot of programs that required physical community engagement. Working in a rural set-up makes it even more challenging because the community in which we operate is not fully conversant with technological tools and platforms.

With a reduction in Covid-19 cases, we have resumed our capacity building programs whilst still adhering to official state health guidelines. Our Trident Health team has done an amazing job in creating awareness on issues surrounding Covid-19 and this has helped with implementation of local business support programs in the community.

What can we do to empower more women to come to the CSR forefront and lead the social and/or environmental impact?

There is a need to encourage more women to take up leadership positions not only in CSR but all sectors. Women are known to be caring in nature and have better foresight when handling complex tasks. Professional trainings, skills development and mentorship programs are required to ensure that women are equipped with the necessary skill-set to handle respective lead positions be it in CSR or other fields, including but not limited to handling social and/or environmental issues.

Inviting more women to participate in information sharing events also provides a good base to gather knowledge and learn from the experience of those in different or similar sectors. This on its own is empowerment as well because the networking platforms open up new business relationships that are meaningful to stakeholders and help implementation of CSR activities without having to reinvent the wheel.

What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out that you know now?

That it is not always about working hard but working smart also. Hard work on its own may not guarantee success but working smart most definitely gives you an edge.

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career or involvement in CSR today?

Don’t assume that you know everything. Sometimes academic theories may not work in certain situations and you may need to rely on “logical” instinct. Intuition comes to play a lot in the field of CSR because most times the beneficiaries of this support may not be able to understand certain global standards or international practices. It is our duty to break this down to a comprehensible level without undermining the beneficiaries. The satisfaction of seeing communities develop in a sustainable way due to your involvement in improving their lives is immeasurable!

This International Women’s Day, what is the message that you would like to give out to young women who aspire to break the glass ceiling?

Step up and Step out. The first step to breaking the glass ceiling is realizing that there is no glass ceiling. Women have to step up in the sense that we can no longer afford to continue waiting on activists and women’s movements to give us the opportunities that we want and deserve. We have to step up to challenges and provide real solutions that make us relevant to our spheres and earn us a seat at the table. We have to step up in the sense that opportunity is not going to come where we are, we have got to step out and take it!

There is a saying that goes “The comfort zone is a great place to be…the problem is, nothing ever grows there”. Stepping out for me, has meant challenging preconceived ideas that I had about my education, experience and career path. An education should not be a prison that confines you but a platform that promotes you. I challenge all women to step out of their comfort zones and step into the world of the unfamiliar, because that is where progress lives!

 

Celebrating Women in CSR – Selina Nyirenda Kanyuka

in CSR / Featured / Impact  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

We continue our series of “Celebrating Women in CSR“, to celebrate the achievements of women and inspire all of us under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, with yet another interview of Selina Nyirenda Kanyuka, the Community Liaison Officer from Munali Nickel Mine operated by Mabiza Resources Limited.

What is your background and how did you get into CSR?

My names are Selina Nyirenda Kanyuka, currently working for Mabiza Resources Limited operators of Munali Nickel Mine as Community Liaison Officer. I currently acquired my master’s in environmental management with my thesis focusing on Sustainability practices and Corporate Social Responsibility in manufacturing industries. I have been into CSR for close to 8 years now, with experience from both the private and public sector.

What are you passionate about in your work?

I’m very passionate about social interactions within local communities and creating a memorable impact on their lives. Community engagement and stakeholder consultancy is key for me as it helps strengthen relations between ourselves and various stakeholders particularly the community. For instance, in 2021, the mine through stakeholder engagement was able to facilitate for two student teachers from the UK that conducted a reading project at Munsangu Primary and Secondary School, a local school, donated a sum of K100,000 and in excess of 200 reading books to the school. The K100,000 was contributed towards the construction of a girl’s hostel at the school.

 

Could you share one or two challenges you have experienced in your career around CSR and how you overcame them?

The Challenge of unforeseen costs and high implementation costs that arise during or before execution of projects or initiatives.

This has been overcome by simply increasing the budget for CSR projects for the year 2022 and an allocation of emerging opportunities was introduced alongside the main budget. Emerging opportunities cater for eventualities that were not planned for in the budgets. These two budget allocations have reduced on the delay of implementation of CSR initiatives due to high costs or the risk of projects being abandoned mid-way.

 

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in your work during COVID19? How did you overcome it?

Covid-19 has not spared any organization. Most CSR activities at Munali Nickel mine had to be slowed down. Physical interactions in the community were briefly stopped at the increase of the pandemic.  However, the company has proactively engaged in various CSR activities, particularly in the fight against COVID-19 such as donating of face masks, sanitizers, and disinfectants to local schools. CSR activities have since been carefully evaluated prioritizing which activities can be undertaken with strict guidelines being followed.

 

What can we do to empower more women to come to the CSR forefront and lead the social and/or environmental impact?

There is need to invest more in women empowerment programs within local communities. Intensifying more on sensitizations and encouraging women to break free from their traditional roles and gender stereotyping.

 

What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out that you know now?

In community service, its not just the big leaps that count. I wish I knew that It’s not just big steps or rather projects that will create a big impact on the community.  Now I have come to realize that small steps have the power to make big changes. What we deem as little and meaningless steps create an impact on some individual out there.

 

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career or involvement in CSR today?

Develop CSR initiatives that relate to the challenges and needs of the community. Ensure the initiatives are attainable.

 

This International Women’s Day, what is the message that you would like to give out to young women who aspire to break the glass ceiling?

For every woman that wants to do exploits, believe in yourself.  You can do more than you think. Don’t let anyone or any surrounding situation limit or define you.

Celebrating Women in CSR – Rhoda Daka

in CSR / Featured / Impact  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

We continue our series of “Celebrating Women in CSR“, to celebrate the achievements of women and inspire all of us under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, with an interview of Rhoda Daka, the CSR Superintedent from Lubambe Copper Mine.

What is your background and how did you get into CSR?

I am a holder of Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Zambia, with 18 years working experience in community related work, 9 years of which I have served the Communities under Lubambe Copper Mine.

I started my work career with an NGO called Zambia Children Education Foundation in 2000 where I was employed as a Community Mobiliser, thereafter I joined Lubambe Copper Mine in 2012 as an Assistant Community Liaison Officer where I served diligently, that by 2014 I was elevated to Community Liaison Officer. In 2016 I was promoted to CSR Superintendent the position I hold to date.

I got into CSR after I reacted to the Job advert in the national newspaper in which the Mine needed the services of an Assistant Community Liaison Officer

What are you passionate about in your work?

I am passionate about helping the disadvantaged attain an improved economic status in life, because I understand what it means to lack basic necessities

 

Could you share one or two challenges you have experienced in your career around CSR and how you overcame them?

Managing community expectations and Community Over dependency on the mine.

 

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in your work during COVID19? How did you overcome it?

Failure by Community members to adhere to Covid 19 protocols, eg coming for a meeting without a mask

We moved with masks in our bags to distribute to community members attending meetings without masking up

 

What can we do to empower more women to come to the CSR forefront and lead the social and/or environmental impact?

  • Expose more women to empowerment strategies
  • Educating a girl child and supporting fellow women
  • Advocating for women colleagues

 

What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out that you know now?

That a successful CSR must be lady-driven.

 

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career or involvement in CSR today?

There is no limit to what we can accomplish as woman once we put our mind to it. We are the real architects of our communities. Find something you are passionate about and hold on to it and I can assure you that not even the sky will be the limit!

 

This International Women’s Day, what is the message that you would like to give out to young women who aspire to break the glass ceiling?

My encouragement is that, let us believe in ourselves more. Let us be confident in the decisions that we make. It helps to have a variety of mentors both male and female. Also, as women let us stop competing against each other, let every woman know her worth and be proud of it. Let us create a network of women so that we may encourage and cheer each other on. Let us step out of our comfort zone, promote ourselves and strategies to succeed.

Celebrating Women in CSR – Pamela Chanda

in CSR / Featured / Women's Month  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

We continue our series of “Celebrating Women in CSR“, to celebrate the achievements of women and inspire all of us under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, with an interview of Pamela Chanda, from First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Kansanshi Mining Plc.

 

What is your background and how did you get into CSR?

My name is Pamela Chanda, Gender Officer, Kansanshi Mining Plc. I have been working for Kansanshi Mining Plc since 2010 initially employed as Front Office Secretary under Public Relations. My CSR debut began with running a community grievance data entry system and attending to community queries from various stakeholders and directing them to the right officers to attend to them, the stakeholders included job seekers, Community Leaders, Traditional leaders, SMEs seeking procurement opportunities. My entry into mainstream CSR was when the CSR team sought to implement a girls’ menstrual hygiene and mentorship program known as JIMUKA, a Kaonde word which means ‘be clever’ it is a programme that targets  female scholars and encourages them to stay in school, make them aware of femininity, gender based violence ‘red flags’ teen pregnancies and various challenges facing adolescent girls. The program proved to be a success and like they say ‘the rest is history’.

Donating a cheque to YWCA for logistics to run One Stop Centre and Safe house and Tshirts for easy identification of YWCA counsellors and paralegals.
Joint Kansanshi Mining Plc and Stanbic Bank program donating reusable sanitary wear to pupils at Kikombe School.
The Child marriage Busting CSR team in Mukumbi at the Kufukwila Ceremony
Orphans receiving donations of clothing and personal hygiene items from Kansashi Staff
Group photo with participants after the training on Raising Women’s Voices in Kabwela community
Radio discussion on the 16 days of activism against GBV
JIMUKA program at St. Mary’s Special School situated near Kansanshi Mine
Stakeholder engagement meeting on Environment organized by Kansanshi Mining Plc And Extractive Industry Transparency Alliance EITA
Pamela Chanda
Pamela Chanda - JIMUKA
Pamela Chanda - JIMUKA

 

What are you passionate about in your work?

I am passionate about the well-being of girls and women. What drives me is the transformation that I see in these people’s lives. My motivation in CSR work stems from what I see in the communities such as needy people that are assisted and information gaps that are filled through sensitization programmes. I am glad to be part of the team that shows the ‘human face’ of the company to the general public.

 

Could you share one or two challenges you have experienced in your career around CSR and how you overcame them?

The challenge I faced was changing people’s perception of me in my new role in the Gender office, I just made sure that I delivered on the tasks that were set before me and had to learn and unlearn certain things in order to do my work better. I did a lot of consulting from more experienced colleagues in community work and relied on my Supervisors guidance, today I am proud to say I am enjoying my work.

 

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in your work during COVID19? How did you overcome it?

Being a person dealing with the public it was difficult to carry out community outreaches and sensitisaton programs. I did some radio discussion programs and radio drama on cross-cutting issues in gender mainstreaming, held fewer physical meetings with small groups in the community whilst observing COVID Guidelines.

 

What can we do to empower more women to come to the CSR forefront and lead the social and/or environmental impact?

We need to raise more awareness about the opportunities that are available to women when they take the lead in initiatives that will improve their well-being in terms of social and environmental impacts because they are the most affected when these issues arise in their communities.

 

What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out that you know now?

I wish I knew how much more reading and learning I have to do to keep up with the trends.

 

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career or involvement in CSR today?

Have an open minded approach, be passionate, be patient as change of mindsets takes a little bit of time, the community do not easily forget, so be mindful how you interact with them as you leave a lasting impression on them, in addition to this, its important to know the community’s attitude and strengths and be all embracing.

 

This International Women’s Day, what is the message that you would like to give out to young women who aspire to break the glass ceiling?

My message to the Women is that we live in a world full of opportunities, all they need to do, is begin to discover and harness their hidden talents and potential and convert them into opportunities to empower themselves in order to lead a more fulfilled life.

Celebrating Women in CSR – Amanda Frankel

in CSR / Featured / Women's Month  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

As part of International Women’s Month to celebrate the achievements of women and inspire all of us under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, we kickstart the 2022 series of interviews with Amanda Frankel,  founder of Okodwela, an organisation that is providing housing, education, and clean water to communities in Livingstone.

What is your background and how did you get into CSR?

I previously worked with domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors for the 10 years and hold a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. I have also traveled to 20+ countries for personal, educational, and career related experiences. I have also had an interest in providing assistance to enhance human welfare and in 2019, discovered additional happiness in taking it to a global level by forming the American not-for-profit organization, Okodwela, serving Livingstone, Zambia and then in 2021 the NGO, Okodwela Zambia.

What are you passionate about in your work?

I am truly passionate about enhancing human welfare and happiness. Through my extensive time spent with vulnerable populations and communities, I’ve discovered that happiness starts at home. That safe homes, clean water, economic stability, and education can provide the basis for a happy life and these components provide for an overall happy home. Through my work, I seek to enhance happy, thriving communities.

Could you share one or two challenges you have experienced in your career around CSR and how you overcame them?

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced throughout my career would be finding continuous funding to sustain Okodwela’s projects of building secure homes, supporting education, and creating employment opportunities. To overcome this on-going challenge, I continue to network around the world and within our community to find new, innovate ways to fundraise. By finding like-minded individuals, companies, etc. that find alliance in our mission, helps to provide support for our projects. I also try to create and involve community members in helping to create programs to teach skills, train, and employ them in various entrepreneurship opportunities to not only receive income for themselves, but to generate income for additional projects within the organization. This method not only contributes to sustainability of the organization, but promotes empowerment of those involved.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced in your work during COVID19? How did you overcome it?

The last two years have been the most challenging in terms of funding for resources to sustain Okodwela Zambia’s projects, as the entire world has been affected by the pandemic of COVID19. When schools were closed, some of the most difficult times were to see the children and adult students continue to express their strong desire to continue to learn. Through the power of community, we came together to find creative ways to continue educating the students outside of the classroom to ensure a minimal gap in their education. This was made possible through the community and various supporters of other CSR members.

What can we do to empower more women to come to the CSR forefront and lead the social and/or environmental impact?

We as women need to continue to remind not only ourselves, but each other, that we too have a place at the table. That our voices, our ideas, our input is just as valuable as the next. We should continue to push forward and never accept no for an answer. Continue to utilize our compassion, empathy, knowledge, and experience, amongst many other qualities we possess to make impact in the community.

What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out that you know now?

“Your intentions may not always be seen for what they truly are.” This may have been the single hardest lesson I have learned and still am learning today. I believe my intentions are pure…to create happy homes, provide support where needed, and enhance human welfare. Unfortunately, there have been situations in the past where others have mistreated opportunities to do such in the field which has then left a negative stereotype for those with pure intentions to do good. I do not let this stop me from continuing my work, yet I do allow it to drive me to work harder and continue to be my authentic self.

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career or involvement in CSR today?

No matter what project or career you are starting, educate yourself as best as possible. IF its working with a community, get to the know the community. Spend time with its members, what it’s like to live a day in their shoes. Don’t speak for anyone, yet speak alongside them. Empower the vulnerable to stand alongside you, not behind you.

This International Women’s Day, what is the message that you would like to give out to young women who aspire to break the glass ceiling?

Follow your passion. Follow your heart. Follow your gut. For every no you are told, try again 5 more times and more. All it takes is one yes to change everything!

Virtual Demo – Exciting New STEM Learning Platform

in Community Development / Featured / Impact  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

We are delighted to announce a unique upcoming live event hosted by Open Energy Labs, on 2nd June 2021 at 09:00 Hours. Open Energy Labs is a successful Zambian-based start-up which provides STEM education to improve access to electricity. To register for this exclusive event, click here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cGDEJatATFmAO-Vj8zgzkQ

During this event, you will see a live demonstration of a new mobile application and connected hardware, which can provide both education and power to rural communities.

In addition, you will hear from:

  • Director of Dept. of Energy – Ministry of Energy
  • Director of Technology and Innovation – Ministry of Higher Education
  • Director of Communications – Power for All

Topics to be covered include:

  • Empowering communities through education and energy
  • Engaging women and girls in STEM
  • Reaching a global audience by engaging with exciting projects

Attached is a brief overview of Open Energy Labs’ work to date.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with them by emailing samson@openenergylabs.co

Fenix Power Solar Kits Light Up Kasisi Orphanage

in CSR / Impact  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

Engie Energy Access Zambia, the leading provider of homebased solar solutions called the Fenix Power Solar Kits, on Holy Saturday 3rd of April 2021 donated Four (4) Fenix Solar Kits, COVID-19 essential supplies and assorted household goods to Kasisi orphanage in Chongwe district.

Priding itself in providing solar solutions which improve the quality of lives and livelihoods, Engie Energy Access also donated a Fenix TV Deluxe that comes with GOtv to provide entertainment for the children at the orphanage which due to Covid 19 Health and Safety measures are practicing restricted social interactions with the outside world.

Receiving the donation from the Orphanage in Chongwe, Kasisi sister-in charge Sister Mariola Mierzejewska said the solar kits will assist in meeting the energy deficit resulting from load shedding which negatively affects the well-being of the children at the orphanage.

Sister Mariola further thanked Engie Energy Access for the donation of hygiene products which she said where critical in preventing the orphanage from recording any Covid-19 cases.

And presenting the donated items, Engie Energy Access Marketing Manager Tiwongi Makungo said the Engie Energy Access, whose core business is to provide lighting made the donation was made to commemorate Easter, a special occasion when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus which ultimately brought light to the world.

Mrs. Makungo said Engie Energy Access remains committed to providing the best solar solutions to improve the quality of life for customers through inclusive energy.

Women in CSR – Nsanshi Art, Creating Shared Value through Art.

in Community Development / CSR / Impact / Women's Month  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

The need for a viable and sustainable women’s empowerment project inspired the establishment of Nsanshi Art Studio in Solwezi, North-Western Province.

The women-run workshop is adding value to local minerals, promoting employment and raising living standards for vulnerable women and girls in the community.

Riding on the rich history of mining in the province, First Quantum Mineral’s community wing, the Kansanshi Foundation, set up a jewelry factory that seeks to empower local women while adding value to the copper that the mining firm produces.

This community-based programme is adequately tailored to provide employment, skills training, and improving value chains in the province.

“Nsanshi Art Studio provides employment to these young women during a two-year apprenticeship, while raising funds for vulnerable women and girls in the community, via sales of the products made in the workshop, and adding value to local minerals,” said Kansanshi Foundation Manager Bruce Lewis.

Over the years, there has been an appeal from various stakeholders for value-addition in Zambia’s mining industry. In the main, Zambian copper is exported in raw form.

It is encouraging that Nsanshi Art Studio is changing this narrative. All the copper used in the workshop comes from Kansanshi Mine’s plant. The team get it as off-cuts and odd pieces.

“We put these in the furnace and convert them into copper bars. From there, we work the bars into flat or round pieces, or wire, depending on what we are making. We design the piece, decide what material is needed, and then work it through the roller,” explains Michele Scholtz, who has been spearheading the training.

Currently, there are 10 women undergoing a two-year course in metal smithing. These ladies, all from Solwezi, are supported by the mine with student wages.

Six of the girls were selected by his royal highness Chief Kapijimpanga while the other four (4) came from the vulnerable.

The training started with making spoons with a view to teaching them the basics of sawing, doming and soldering. They then moved onto making rings of various forms.

“They have since advanced to making bracelets and other items. Currently, they are being taught how to make various settings to incorporate into jewelry pieces,” Scholtz elaborated.

“We hope they can acquire a skill to support themselves and be self-reliant in the future without having to rely on a husband,” she added.

The money generated from jewelry sales goes to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for the running of the One Stop Centre for Gender-Based Violence at Solwezi General Hospital and the Safe House that have been built by the mine. These facilities provide support to girl child marriage and abused women victims.

Funding channelled into the project is as follows: building – $75 021; tools – $22 928; laser engraver – $62 771.

The state-of-the-art laser engraving machine has the capacity to engrave a photograph on to any metal. The beauty about this empowerment programme is that it will continue to generate funds even after the mine has closed.

Success stories include the export of 30 sets of ear rings to Panama. The students also took part in a design competition from Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) and one of them was selected as part of the top 10 designs, a great achievement for the project.

Nsanshi Art Studio is indeed creating a range of unique and inspired copper items that are certain to gain a huge market in Zambia and beyond.

Celebrating Women in CSR – Wezi Njovu

in CSR / Featured / Impact / Women's Month  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

As part of International Women’s Month to celebrate the achievements of women, we continue our series to appreciate Women in CSR with another interview of Wezi Muyembe Njovu, the Head Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Zambia:

 

Briefly describe your role and responsibilities, and the number of years you have been CSR practitioner.

In my role as Head Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Zambia Limited, I am to ensure projection of the UBA brand as one of the top pan-African institution. My role also involves developing effective communication campaigns, managing stakeholder relations, media relations and network, brand visibility, impactful corporate events/ sponsorships and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

It feels like I have been in CSR since I was a toddler and this is because my mother has always believed in impacting the society through community goodwill.

Tell us about someone or something (mentor, friend, hero, incident) who or that affected or influenced your CSR journey, and how.

My mother, Mrs Tamara Chirembo Muyembe would be the first person who has influenced greatly on my CSR journey. My mother has always believed in changing lives of people in our communities especially women in the rural areas as well as disadvantaged women through different ways like teaching them skills such as knitting, sewing, cooking in order to help them generate income and being a teacher herself, she teaches these women how to read and write.

In my professional career, I would definitely owe my inspiration to the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu who is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist. Mr Elumelu also believes that we all can play a role in our communities in order to better the lives of our people in society.

 

How has CSR/CSI evolved at your organisation?

CSR has certainly evolved in UBA Zambia to a point that all staff members as well as the UBA Zambia board members have jumped on the bus with great interest and enthusiasm to make a difference in the community. Our main initiative which is the Read Africa Initiative under the UBA Foundation has had staff believe and participate more in the initiative. Read Africa is an initiative of UBA Foundation aimed at rekindling the dwindling reading culture amongst African youths. Our children no longer read; their passion for reading informative and educative books is fast eroding and this is part of the ills we want to correct in the continent’s educational sector.​

These children are also distracted and challenged by the presence of electronic social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. There are other factors militating against the Zambian educational system as well as Africa as a whole. Having identified the need to curb the trend, especially in response to the declining culture of reading in post primary institutions across the continent, UBAF came up with the ‘Read Africa’ project, designed to resuscitate the reading culture amongst our youths across the African continent. Conceived and introduced in 2011 by the foundation, the project involves the provision of recommended English literature for junior and senior secondary schools students across Africa.

 

Can you share a recent accomplishment you are especially proud of?

This will definitely have to be the recognition/award presented to UBA Zambia by the CSR Network Zambia for outstanding achievements in corporate social responsibility and responsible leadership under Education support for the Read Africa Initiative.

Secondly, I would like to make mention that the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a global health and societal emergency that has required effective immediate action by governments, businesses and the society at large.

To aid this collective effort and in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility, UBA Zambia partnered with the Government in dealing with this challenge with a donation of K2,650,000 to the Government Of The Republic Of Zambia for Covid-19 relief support.

UBA Zambia remains committed to working with the Government in other spheres of the economy. We have therefore, formed partnerships with different players in the ecosystem including Co-operatives and the Government; we are currently providing payment solutions to over 5,000 women beneficiaries under the Supporting Women Livelihood project by the Ministry of Community Development in partnership with World Bank.

The bank through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship programme has also been supporting young Zambian entrepreneurs by providing them with an opportunity to have access to funding for their start-up businesses. Since 2015, 142 Zambian entrepreneurs have each been given $5000 non-refundable seed capital for their businesses.

 

If you had the power to make one major change at your company or in your industry, what would it be, in line with CSR?

I wouldn’t really say I would like to change anything, instead I would say I would like to enhance and push our current initiatives with focus on the Read Africa initiative in order to have more Zambian schools and youths benefit from this. I would like to see more partnerships among businesses with the goal of improving the lives of our people in various ways possible.

 

What is the best advice you have ever received in your career?

Believe! Just Believe!

 

How can CSR activities be used to empower women?

As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a generation. CSR activities are like gifts that go exactly where they are needed. We need to continue protecting and empowering women by equipping them with skills and offering training, education, counseling, love, medical care and financial literacy. Women can rise from grass to grace, from zero to hero and from nothing to something.

 

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day is when I know I have made a positive impact and a difference in another woman’s life, and this can be through a positive compliment, encouragement, offering a shoulder, offering guidance and just letting her know that we are on this journey together.

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