On, 5th March 2026, the Forum for African Women Educationalists Zambia (FAWEZA) proudly unveiled the FAWEZA Kabunda Kayongo House, marking a historic milestone as the organisation celebrates 30 years of advancing gender equity and equality in education.
The ceremony, held at the FAWEZA National Secretariat, brought together the Permanent Secretary – Administration at the Ministry of Education, Ms Noriana Muneku; Teaching Service Commission Chairperson, Ms Daphne L. N. Chimuka; senior government officials; Ambassador Barbara Chilangwa and other founder members; trustees; former leaders; staff; members; cooperating partners; and the media.
In her remarks, FAWEZA National Chairperson, Professor Enala Mwase, described today’s unveiling as deeply symbolic, coming just days before International Women’s Day on 8th March the very day FAWEZA was registered in 1996.
“Today, we do more than unveil a name. We honour vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to girls’ education,” she said.
Professor Mwase reaffirmed FAWEZA’s continued dedication to ensuring that every girl accesses, remains in, and completes school in safe and inclusive learning environments. For three decades, FAWEZA has translated commitment into action through bursaries for vulnerable learners, mentorship, community engagement, educator capacity building, research, and policy advocacy.
The Secretariat building, she noted, has been more than an office. It has been a centre of coordination where strategies were crafted, partnerships nurtured, and programmes designed to influence Zambia’s education landscape and strengthen systems that protect girls’ rights.
The house was officially named in honour of Dr Kabunda Kayongo, former Minister of Education and founding member of FAWEZA, whose visionary leadership in 1996 anchored the organisation within the national education system and strengthened its advocacy voice.
Founder member Ms Regina Musokotwane paid tribute to Dr Kayongo’s legacy, recalling the early years when girls faced significant barriers to education, including permanent exclusion due to pregnancy and limited access to opportunities in STEM. She described Dr Kayongo as a leader who did not simply register an organisation, but nurtured a movement that has transformed generations.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Administration Mistry of Education Ms Noriana Muneku. Director Secondary School Ms. Yvonne Chuulu commended FAWEZA as a strong and trusted partner of the Ministry of Education. She acknowledged FAWEZA’s contribution to improved gender parity in enrolment, enhanced retention and completion rates, and increased participation of girls in STEM subjects. She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to sustained collaboration to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.
A touching highlight of today’s ceremony was when Mrs Lena Brahme, daughter of the late Dr Kabunda Kayongo, received a plaque in honour of her mother’s enduring legacy. Having travelled from Sweden to witness this historic moment, Mrs Brahme accepted the recognition on behalf of her family, symbolising the lasting and intergenerational impact of Dr Kayongo’s visionary leadership.
Former Executive Director Ms Daphne Chimuka reflected on the acquisition of the building in 2003 as a strategic investment in institutional sustainability and urged continued strengthening of the Gender Studies Library and Resource Centre envisioned as a knowledge hub for research and advocacy.
As FAWEZA continues its journey beyond 30 years, the Kabunda Kayongo House will remain a beacon of resilience, sustainability, and hope a place where ideas are nurtured, policies strengthened, partnerships deepened, and the rights of girls advanced every single day.
