A STORY UNTOLD
Being born in the northern part of Zambia, particularly Luapula province, is an experience I would term "grooming,” as it made me see things from a poor voter’s perspective.
From the long walks just to access schools as well as health centers to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene, I lived through it all, and I saw just what it means when you make a promise to someone and fail to fulfill it. I come from a very underdeveloped village called Sumbu in Mansa district, which has more than half of its young women and girls married off as they are truly thought not to have a voice among the decision-making men. My feet hurt just at the thought of going to school on the afternoon of July 17, 2011. The scorching sun outside made me want to fake sickness, I could even feel my blood boil at the distance I was going to cover just to get to Kaole primary school.
Fast forward to October 2015, when I sat on a reed mat just under the guava tree. I wore a black string top and chitenge and had scruffy hair. My dad just bought me a new Blackberry, and I was going through its features and browsing through my newly opened Facebook account. “Odii” the sound came from outside the yard, as I saw one brown skinned young girl probably aged 8 with short brown hair and two older women, one carrying a baby on her back and bare feet. From their looks, I was able to tell they had moved quite some distance just to get there. They definitely came to draw some water, as they had buckets and chitenge wrappers to use as support (I’ngana) when carrying the buckets of water. Truly, they asked if they could fetch some water, as we were just among the few in the village with a shallow well, and I allowed them to. They came from a Musumali village, which is about 3 kilometers from my village, which really broke my heart as we engaged in a conversation and they went on to tell me how they move every day until the next set of rains.
I got a chance to work for a radio station within my district, and it was at that point that I realized I needed to be the voice of the people when the ward councilor elected in my ward blacklisted my number due to some questions I asked concerning some struggles in the ward and just how the CDF share was being utilized.
With various community engagement meetings among the struggles are poor sanitation which is a major cause of concern as it brings about the spread of communicable diseases. I had to speak; I had to be the voice of my people to the elected leaders.
My journey has just begun, and every single morning I wake up on my knees, asking my God to help me not lose focus on putting the interests of the people first.
My name is Nelly Matota, and this is my story.
THE GIRL WITH A GREATER PURPOSE
Once upon a time a woman gave birth to her first child, at 10:00hrs on the last day of the 5th month in 1994. My parents were delightful to have me so they named me Albinah.
Ever since I was a child I have felt that I was made for a greater purpose, I felt that I was destined for something greater to live for And it was beyond who I was and I needed to find my life’s path through past and current life experiences, for each phase leads to the next, it’s like a calling it doesn’t vanish until you fulfill it’s demands. My curiosity and love for current affairs and civic education made me pursue public administration a political science course.
I have always wanted to help people ever since I was a child, I planned out my life but life had other plans for me. When I applied and submitted my application at nipa I was instantly accepted, I was extremely excited I called my parents to tell them the good news, they too were happy.
College was like stepping into a new world, it was a whole different experience, l had to instantly evolve in to adulthood, be my own parent and make critical decisions. It was exciting and every experience was a lesson learned, it was during these college years that I got the glimpse of politics as in actual politics, I remember many political parties had active members who performed recruitment duties, but then I never truly belonged to any party.
After graduating from college in 2015, I started to job hunt to no avail. One Day mu father came across people talking about unip looking for people they can sponsor for candidature for the 2016 general elections. When he got home he shared this news with me ( knowing that I loved politics and had a thing for wanting to see change and development) he wanted me to be actively involved he said and I responded with a yes without a second thought, But when my father finished explaining to me I was skeptical,
unip! Of all the parties we have, what Will people think of me, dad come on, my smile fade in my head I was why didn’t he sign me up As a candidate for his party (PF), then he told me to look at a bigger picture, if I at all I wanted to help people and loved politics I shouldn’t be bothered what people think or which political party I want to contest on, I should focus on how I can bring change to our country, I instantly resonated with him and applied for unip to adopt me.
Unip adopted as their candidate for the councilor at the age of 21yrs, I was the youngest to compete for the seat in my ward, my father supported all the way till elections and after. Despite a successful support and campaigns, I did not win the seat.
Losing an election is one of those painful moments, and it has broken a number of people especially those that join politics without understanding fully why they are into politics or their purpose, one has to know their purpose and why they are going after it. Losing an election for me was a temporal measure that I had to go through if at all I really want the best for Zambia. In 2021 I contested as a member of Parliament for Livingstone central again I was the youngest aspirant, my stamina intact like I never lost any elections. Some people would wonder and ask why I was contesting despite the odds where not for me according
to them the election was about pf and upnd, most of the time I would smirk and answer that the true elections is about the young people, social ills and our economy vs politicians who have failed society for ages.
I was doing it for me and the young people, my aim was/is to send a message of inspiration and motivation to young people that they too need to be part of the decision making process, I came 4th on the ballot which had 6 aspirants, winning the mp seat would have been a plus however my true winning will be measured in 2026 where thousands of young people especially young women will be candidates and they will scoop different electable positions with quality and better representation, that’s the reason why I am into politics, until then I will not relent cause true warriors do not quit.
Albinah Musakanya
THE UNLIKELY POLITICIAN
There was an air of anticipation in the room as the election results for the National Executive Committee were about to be announced at the national party convention. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I had only been in politics for a few months, and I was one of only two people whose seat was contested, whereas my counterparts had gone unopposed. Suddenly it mattered. I wanted to win the election. This felt like a commitment. It was a sharp contrast to my half-hearted decision to start with politics in the first place.
Allow me to start you off at the beginning. I’m Camilla Banda, a young entrepreneur, media personality, and communicator in all media disciplines with 10 years of experience in the media or corporate field. I was looking for a business client in politics, taking advantage of the opportunities that exist with many political players wanting to be seen, heard, and elected.
After a long and hard pitching season, I got invited to pitch. I was then hired by this very obscure party, which nobody knew of. However, I found they had all the ideologies I could get behind. Nothing is easier to sell than something you believe in. This started a course that would change my life and the way I saw its impact. The Party of National Unity and Progress hired me as its media director and appointed me as a spokesperson.
Joining the party in early 2021 time had passed and now it was time to plan the national party convention. An event in which members of the party from all ten provinces where brought together to discuss the future of the party.
This event was also convened for the sake of voting for the National Executive council in Lusaka. I was encouraged to stand for elections as the national youth chairlady.
Being a person who has always had a passion for empowering young people, it seemed like too great an opportunity to pass up. There were means as well as funds present at the time to help young people all over the country, which is what made it very appealing. Time came, the people voted, and the election results had been announced. I won. I won my first political election after only a few months in the field.
There was cheering and jubilation in the air, the smell of baby powder filled the room. People were dancing, singing and celebrating. I had never up until that point thought of myself as a politician but in that instant it fit me like a glove. Every moment since then, every day in this field has felt like a class as there is so much to learn.
As much as I never thought I would ever be a politician it has always been my passion to empower young people and women. I started on this journey looking for a client. However, as destiny would have it, I was put in a position that would empower me to serve my purpose better than ever. I was honored that the people who I had mostly just met saw a leader in me and trusted me, which is humbling. I commit to serving selflessly to not disappoint their trust.
Camilla Banda
“MAY WE BE PART?”
(Nothing for us without us)
Wanting to be part of the ward council group was something that started off as a mere thought during a heated series of discussions in our youth group. But before I delve in, hi, I am Monique, and I am about to take you on a rollercoaster journey as I take you on how the youth of my community wanted to be part of the decision-making process and for us to be part of it. “May we be part?”
“May we be part?” are words that lingered through my fast beating heart, as I practiced on the mirror. It was about nine o'clock, and I stood still looking at the mirror. I gazed closely at my reflection and fixed my eyes on my bloated, buggy eyes. Rubbing my swollen eyes as though I were rubbing salt into my wounds, I posed and thought to myself, “How then will I be able to speak to them?” As I thought about that, a cold chill ran down my spine; in my opinion, it was way faster than Usain Bolt. Why was I in such panic and anxiety? One would ask. Well, I was scheduled to meet the ward councilors of my ward; these are the men (yes, a whole patriarchy) that call the shots and are regarded as the fountain of all wisdom, and additionally, they were all over 40 years old.
The meeting was scheduled for 12:00 hours.
On my way to the meeting, the scorching sun beamed so brightly I felt so suffocated, my palms were shaky and sweaty, never the less I kept walking and heading to the meeting, as I approached the entrance door, a little voice whispered, “Ran back, no one has seen you.” And I still thought, we need to be part.
With my sweaty palms I held the door handle so tightly and the next thing I know is that im in a room full of different types of people and three of my fellow youths. Things just got real. I slowly closed the door behind me and contemplating as to what words must I utter, but I just decided to take a sit as I pondered what exactly it is I would begin with.
I thought to myself which was the best version of thy self which would entail the outmost level of respect, sincerity and a more proper way of desperation (but not too desperate, least we be seen as timid), as the meeting commenced, waiting for my time was unbearable, as I seemingly growing impatient. The room was full, but my heart kept beating so rapidly as though I could hear it echo in the room. In the corner of the room lay an old dusty lamp which subconsciously I fixed my eyes on and that brought some form of comfort to myself, and honestly it reminded me of the time I would contemplate in my room near a lamp and think to myself, “When exactly will I change the status quo?” Not to derail myself from that which ought to be said. But my thoughts proceeded.
As I was zoned out, I felt a tap on my left shoulder, “Monique, they are waiting.” I shrugged, “Eish, so soon.” I said to myself.
Pum pum pum … my heart went.
All I wanted to do is scream “May we be part? May we be part? May we be part?”
I took a deep breath and to be honest I seceded to speak with our local language, being Bemba, but also ensuring I added in a little Nyanja, Tonga and Lozi. But I took a glance at my fellow youths at the corner of room as they smiled and confidently nodded to me. I slipped back to reality and started my speech with the Zambian proverb ‘Amano mambulwa yafuma mwifwesa ya yamuchulu.’ Which means that wisdom can be gotten from anyone, it is shared not a monopoly of one person.
I started to notice that their glance at me started to look more positive. When saying this I reminiscing how on how far we have come just to be heard. I proceeded and explained how the needs of us the youths, especially women is lacking. “We continue to be sideline as decisions are not by us for us.”
I posed and thought about how we have had poor sanitation from time immemorial and just how it continues to affect us all, it affects women more as our menstrual hygiene is consequently affected. Such issues can no longer be suppressed as some girls were in our community unable to attend classes as this was because they had no toiletries.
When you educate a woman, you educate a nation, but how then will this be when the girl child is unable to attend classes that will help in the development?
I explained how we being part of the board would help us advance our agenda and that we were prepared to work towards being on the table and we made reference to our previous work.
Saving up the little money that we have and organize workshops on how reusable pads can be made and see how we would be able to teach and yet not help in giving out these materials as funds are scarce, but if only we set our priorities straight as a community by putting us on board, will we see the change that which we envision. Granted the space for us on the table
In my last quote, “May we be part?” nothing for us without us
And thus started the journey commenced.
Liffumbela Monique
THE FIGHT OF YOUNG WOMEN
It is said, “If you want anything said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." Mine is not so different from the rest, but it has its own touch of uniqueness. Coming from a family of girls, my parents have raised us to be strong, independent women. I am passionate about humanitarian work.
Growing up in a society that is so rough on women has driven my enthusiasm and passion to join politics. I have witnessed injustices against women, especially here at the University of Zambia. Lecturers abuse female students sexually and mentally.
It was on a Sunday morning I was there laying in my bed meditating before going for that I heard a loud noise of UNZA monks shouting and cursing. I stepped out of my small room just to get the ‘mulomo’. I came across the guy who told me what exactly was going on. Upon hearing it all, I sat on the ground, very disturbed and heartbroken. It was a sad story of a girl who was sexually abused by her lecturer.
According to her side of the story the lecture threatened to temper with her grades if she was not going accept his proposal. Vulnerable and hopeless, she fell for the trap. Their affair went on for months, but later the girl got back to her senses and approached the lecturer about how she had been feeling about their affair. The lecturer tried to pull his tricks again, but this time things were different. She rejected him and told him to stay away. The lecturer continued pestering and driving to her boarding house at late hours.
Back at his home, his wife got more and more suspicious due to his sudden behavior and moods. It was a Friday night when the lecturer stormed out of his house, leaving for a ‘drive'. Little did he know that his wife had organized a group of friends to follow him. The lecturer arrived at the student's boarding house. The girl stepped outside her boarding house; she spoke to him for not more than 5 minutes, as she claimed. As soon as he left, his wife and her clique ran to her gate and asked for the security guard to call the girl who had just entered the gate. One of the women claimed to have been her aunt and that she had left her phone in the vehicle. Innocently, the security guard quickly went to her door and called for her. In a very naive manner and without inquiring further, she went to meet the person. Contrary to her expectations, she was welcomed and greeted with beatings and insults from the women. According to her description, they were all huge in terms of body size. She was beaten until she was unconscious.
Upon here this i was so disheartened and thought to my self why didn’t they gang up on the man instead and who at least speaks for the female student when they experience such. It is then when I realised that I could take up the role of Gender Minister at the University of Zambia to ensure that cases as such don’t repeat themselves.
Mampi Wamuwi
A POLITICAL PRECIOUS GARDEN IN A DESERT
My name is Precious Phiri, a passionate emerging young female politician born and raised in a land that bears no good fruits, a land where nothing good comes out of so they say , a land terrorised by poverty, early marriages, lack of access to education, gender stereotypes and lack of opportunities. A land where a girlchild’s dream can hardly come true because even the man who they have placed on top of the hierarchy cannot achieve anything from this land so who is a girlchild. I was born in the Ghetto and slams of mandevu compound and the first born in a family of five hence I was naturally born a leader.
When both my parents where expecting me, it was hoped by my father's family that his first child should be a boy because it was believed that families are more protected and better headed when the first child is a boy. At the day of my birth, the cry of a baby girl was heard but this never disapointed my father, according to my mother, the excitement he showed at my birth eventhough I came out a girl was enough to solve the gender disparities of this world. he held me so much love and he lamented of how God had blessed him a precious Gift and he named me precious.
little did my father know that this precious gift God had blessed him with was not only a blessing to him but a blessing to the community.
Growing up I had always had a compassionate heart, I dreamt so much of how I can solve injustices, I was and still very passionate about girl child education and advocating for women’s welfare. I wanted to challenge society perception that a girl child should not be ambitious. I wanted to challenge the narrative of how nothing good comes out of the Ghetto, I wanted to speak and stand up for the vulnerable hence I used my Modeling career to advocate for various social issues. I began chasing opportunities and striving so hard to get educated with the little resources. I decided to start breaking the barriers that the Ghetto had between my dreams.
As a model, in as much as i was active in my social issues I realised that my power to solve them only ended as far as my voice could reach. I had less to no power to change the situation. Therefore Instead of being a person to advocate for policies and laws I wanted to be a formulator and implementer of these laws and policies hence I took a keen interest In politics.
I started politics because I realised the power that politicians have to change the situation, policies and laws in our country. Eventhough it was a farfetched dream especially being a female, little by little like a serpent crawling in a rats house to catch a meal so I started crawling into the political space.
When I went to university I decided to join student politics and managed to have a direct impact in to the lives of some of the vulnerable students encountered. During my tenure In student politics I managed to have heads on meeting with stakeholder to increase the number of student beneficiaries of scholarship including those left out in the first selection. I began involving myself in solving alot of issues that affected students using politics and I must say it worked out well. From then I new I wanted to become a politician to extend this work to the nation and from then I knew I was in the right path despite any challenge that could be placed ahead of me.
That is how a political precious garden sprouted out of a deset with sands of Poverty and inequalities. With the little water I had, I decided to make myself a garden out of the deset.
Precious Phiri
THE TALL BARBEDWIRE WALLS WITHLIGHT AND HOPE OFFREEDOM ONE DAY
As a leader, I believe that you need to treat the people you work with as individuals, and how you'd want to be treated yourself. Whatever mistakes they have made in life, or challenges they face in life, be there to help them turn their lives around. Many people who depend on our help are usually present with complex needs or dependency issues, which you need to be aware of. So you need to adapt your approach to working with them accordingly.
It was my first day on the job, and I was so excited that I'd be working in a nice office environment with my own desk corner, air conditioning, and wheel office chair and helping incarcerated teenage boys, but little did I know that in just an hour we would be ushered through a tall green and small passage gate. It was a dark environment with double-layered walls reeking of the smell of cigarettes and a strong stench of urine. For a minute, I thought I had just landed in a different, broken, war-torn country, but one that had light and life residing inside. As we walked Through the dark corridors , I saw another out-let door with the outside daylight , an open plain big ground with no roof , to allow those that live within to stare at the blue sky and stay hopeful. I felt a sense of relief that I could finally catch a breath of fresh air. Quickly we were ushered into our “office” corner; we set up our little tent in the corner of the prison yard, and this was where we would operate from, four days a week. Listening attentively, interviewing, and attending to each juvenile, immigrant, or woman who was locked up in this facility. From a young age, I have always had a high curiosity for legal and current affairs, where I would constantly read the news or research interesting articles that would let my mind ponder. Growing up in developing countries like Zambia and South Africa, I saw the underprivileged such as women or children, in rural areas and some urban areas are usually oppressed victims of their own human rights. I often heard or read of injustices being inflicted upon the poor and the underprivileged, some traditional practices, such as early child marriages, the sidelining of women in decision making processes, violence against women, and abuse perpetuate power relations that continue to prevent women from accessing and enjoying their basic social, political, and economic rights. I grew a strong interest in studying law, human rights, their protection, and generally affecting change for the better in Africa.
After 4 years of studying the Bachelor of Law's , I acquired professional legal education, which has helped build my confidence and capacity as an advocate for change, an advocate for the marginalized in societies, and an advocate for young people and their rights. I'm now a determined, trainee legal practitioner youth activist, and a human rights defender from rural outskirts of Chilanga, Zambia who is very passionate about ensuring that youth priorities in my country and in SADC are designed to reduce existing inequalities, address entrenched discrimination, and realize the political, legal, socio-economic rights of the young people across Africa and in Zambia.
Ruth K. Kangwa