MONICA LAYOMBO. Lusaka
ACCESS Bank, Zambia has commended Women in News (WIN) Zambia chapter for partnering with the Bank to train UNICAF university students and staff on Sexual Harassment and Gender in Development during the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking yesterday during the one-day training on Gender and Sexual Harassment organized by WIN, Zambia chapter, Access Bank Head of Corporate Communications Kalumbu Nyikosa said it was a privilege for her Bank to engage with UNICAF university students and staff on issues of empowerment.
“I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, Women in News, for their support in making today’s engagement possible. It is truly inspiring to witness such dedicated collaboration between the media, academia, and corporate sectors in the fight against GBV,” she said.
Ms. Nyikosa said Access Bank believes in the power of business to make a difference. “We understand that our role as a corporate entity goes beyond banking. We have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being and empowerment of our communities,” she said.
Ms. Nyikosa said Access Bank remains committed to fighting gender-based violence and promoting gender equality both within and outside the organization. “At Access Bank, we are committed to empowering women and promoting a culture of respect, safety, and opportunity. Our approach extends to our partnerships with organizations like Women in News, which has been instrumental in raising awareness and driving change around GBV,” she said.
In addition to the Bank’s broader commitment to gender equality, Ms. Nyikosa said Access Bank has a unique banking proposition designed specifically for women. “The Initiative is tailored to support women at every stage of their lives, whether they are entrepreneurs, professionals, or homemakers,” she said.
She explained that through specialized financial products and services, Access Bank provides women with the tools they need to manage their finances, grow their businesses, and secure their futures.
“Beyond financial products, we are also proud of the Access Women’s Network, which is a platform designed to empower and connect women across different sectors. The Network provides women with the opportunity to access mentorship, share knowledge, and create professional networks that promote personal and professional growth,” she said.
She said her Bank believes that by supporting women’s financial independence, providing them with networks of support, and encouraging their professional growth, the Bank achieves its goals in promoting gender equality and also contributing to reducing the vulnerabilities that often lead to GBV.
“Let us work together to create a world where no one has to live in fear. Let’s stand together to end gender-based violence today, tomorrow, and for generations to come,” Ms. Nyikosa said.
WIN Zambia national coordinator Emelda Musonda, who is also Zambia Daily Mail Managing Editor said WIN-Zambia chapter wants to partner with other stakeholders to ensure that it delivers towards gender in development and gender equality.
She said WIN is a global organization operating in 18 countries and is working with over 223 media institutions.
“In these countries we are operating, we have chapters and the team we have here is Zambia chapter. As a chapter, we have taken it upon ourselves to contribute to the society we live in,’’ she said.
WIN Committee member Francesca Phiri Banda, who made a presentation on Sexual Harassment, said it was important for women, girls and everyone to be equipped with knowledge on how to handle issues of sexual harassment. “She advised the students and staff to report all forms of harassment to deter would-be perpetrators,” she said.
Recently, Zambia Chief Justice Mumba Malila said internationally, reports have shown that nearly one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. “In Zambia, this statistic is even more alarming, with 42.2 percent of women aged between 15-49 having faced such violence. This underscores the urgent need to address GBV through comprehensive and robust mechanisms,” the Chief Justice said.
Dr Malila said organizations and all stakeholders can help by safeguarding women’s right to education, empowering girls to dream beyond their circumstances, to raise above adversity, and to take their rightful place as active contributors to society.
