Women working in traditionally male-dominated fields in Zambia face severe under-representation and structural barriers, often lacking access to mentorship, professional development, and networks. For instance, women make up only about 5% of registered engineers nationally and over 97% of STEM/Vocational technical training enrollees are male. In photography and film, too, female professionals remain under 25% despite high numbers of female graduates. These gaps highlight the urgency of creating platforms that equip women with skills, exposure, and opportunity.
Our Response
In collaboration with the Women’s History Museum of Zambia, the Women’s Professional Development Workshops were established to create a vital platform for women working in traditionally male-dominated fields. These workshops provide participants with opportunities to learn from industry experts, develop practical skills to advance their careers, and build strong professional networks.
Each Women’s Professional Development Workshop is led by an expert in their respective field, ensuring that participants receive high-quality insights and practical guidance tailored to their professional journeys. The workshops have continued to grow through strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS), the Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) through its Women in Architecture Forum, and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), which supported the Women in Coding workshop.
The response to the workshops has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how the experience has enhanced both their professional capabilities and personal growth. Set against the serene backdrop of Kasaka River Lodge, the workshops also provide women with demanding careers a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature, with one another and with themselves.
With each session, the Kasaka Women’s Empowerment Workshops continue to cultivate community, confidence, and collaboration, inspiring women to break barriers and thrive in their chosen fields.