Women in diaspora key in economic growth

ZAMBIAN women in the diaspora have a key role to play in am ia’s social and economic development, through investment and entrepreneurship.

Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri said Zambian women in the diaspora were a powerful source of economic progress.

The Minister said this at a ocial conomic event in the nited ingdom to celebrate nternational women s Day under the theme hin qual, Build mart, nnovate for Change.

The Zambia High Commission in the organised the event in conjunction with Zambian women based in that country.

Ms Phiri challenged Zambian women in the diaspora to promote trade and foreign direct investment, create businesses and spur entrepreneurship and transfer new knowledge and skills to their country.

This is contained in a statement issued by ambia s irst ecretary for press and public relations in the , Abigail Chaponda.

The event attracted more than 300 Zambian women and friends of Zambia and was open to the public.

A variety of e hibitions such as, cultural fashion show, products by young entrepreneurs, charitable organisations and authors were on display.

he said women given a platform, could be an unstoppable force to develop Zambia. “Government realises that an engaged diaspora can be an asset. I challenge all Zambian women in the diaspora to connect Zambia with their various host countries with global networks of research and technology that are essential to development.

“Rise up to the challenge women, you are a potential source of opportunities for trade, innovation, investment and networ s, she said

he also said that ambian women in the diaspora were a source of academic and technical e pertise and an important mar et for ambia s goods and services as well as tourism.

And ambia omen organising committee chairperson Catherine Chuungwe thanked the Zambia High Commission for partnering with the women.

“Thank you for always opening yours doors to us. This was an amazing event as a lot of people networked while others discovered business opportunities.

“The Minister has challenged us and we will rise to the challenge. e want this to be an annual event because it has opened opportunities for many Zambia women based in the and has brought us together, she said.

eanwhile, Deputy High Commissioner Patricia Chanda called on young Zambians based in the to ta e time to visit Zambia and learn about their culture and also share their knowledge and e periences with young Zambians back home.

he said young ambians should be involved in the country s economic agenda and urged them to be brokers of change.

Zambian women in the diaspora should promote trade and foreign direct investment, create businesses and spur entrepreneurship.