OWSD National Chapter established in Zambia
August 30, 2019
In July 2019, OWSD members in Zambia established a National Chapter hosted at the School of Engineering of Copperbelt University, in the city of Kitwe.
The first Executive Committee of the National Chapter will be formed by:
Chair: Wezi Nyimbili, Copperbelt University
Vice Chair: Chilala Kakoma Bowa, Copperbelt University
Secretary: Kanekwa Zyambo, Tropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group (TROPGAN)
Treasurer: Carol Nampungwe, Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM)
Vice Treasurer: Mususu Kaonda, University of Zambia
Vice Secretary: Ruth Lindizyani Mfune, Copperbelt University
External liaison: Gerry Siampondo, Liquid Telecom Zambia
Additional Executive Committee members:
Tumelo Muyenga-Akapelwa, Mulungushi University
Mervis Kikonko, University of Zambia
Belinda Chilala, Zambeef Products Plc
Agness Lungu, Ministry of Education
Bridget Bwalya Umar, University of Zambia
Ella Nsonta Kasana, ZESCO
Chileshe Mulenga, Workers Compensation Fund Control Board
Agnes Mwansa, Konkola Copper Mines
Namaunga Kasumu-Chisompola, Copperbelt University
Mercy Mukumo, University of Zambia
Mulenga Mukanu, American Institute for Research
"Women’s involvement in national development is cardinal, more so in the developing countries like Zambia," said National Chapter Chair Wezi Nyimbili. "Actualization of the developmental agenda in Zambia has been stagnant partly due to non-involvement of women. It is therefore apparent that women need to be brought on board."
Among the activities planned by the Executive Committee in order to address this are establishing a professional development programme to provide mentorship and other career guidance to female students, promoting multidisciplinary research collaborations between women scientists and engineers, disseminating information on fellowships, training and other opportunities for women scientists and engineers, and conducting outreach activities to girls at primary and secondary school levels.
At the time of establishment, OWSD had 52 members in Zambia. The Zambia National Chapter is unique among existing National Chapters in that a large number of its members are in engineering fields. Women scientists and engineers in Zambia who are not already members of OWSD can become members here. Members who are interested in joining the National Chapter are invited to contact Gerry Siampondo at gmcsiampondo [at] yahoo.com.
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