The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) proudly joined partners and high-level stakeholders in Lusaka to celebrate the closeout of the five-year Make Way Program a bold initiative that has transformed lives and reshaped conversations around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Zambia.
The gathering brought together government officials, Members of Parliament, civil society leaders, and young people whose voices have been at the heart of the program’s success. In his opening remarks, Mr. Costern Kanchele, FAWEZA Executive Director, reflected on the remarkable journey of the program, implemented through a strong consortium that included FAWE, VSO, The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, Akina Mama wa Afrika, and the Liliane Foundation through Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia, with overall coordination from WEMOS.
One of the most powerful highlights came from the Youth Panel Members. Their testimonies painted a vivid picture of growth and leadership youth who once sat at the margins now confidently manage youth funds, lead grassroots SRHR advocacy, and represent their peers at global platforms such as Women Deliver 2023 in Kigali and the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York. Their voices underscored the importance of keeping young people at the center of decision-making.
Delivering a keynote address, Hon. Dr. Joseph S. Munsanje, MP, Chairperson of the Parliamentarian Caucus on SRH and Disability Inclusion and Rights, urged stakeholders to ensure that the program’s lessons are well documented to inform future initiatives. He also challenged fellow parliamentarians to push for increased funding for adolescent and youth health in the upcoming national budget a call that resonated strongly with the audience.
From the Ministry of Education, Ms. Charity Banda emphasized how critical Make Way’s interventions have been in addressing Zambia’s ongoing challenge of teenage pregnancies, which stand at an alarming 15,000 annually. She called for the integration of program insights into the upcoming World Bank-supported project designed to keep more girls in school, ensuring continuity of the program’s impact.
