Women Environs in Zambia (WEZ) held its first feminist school for its members in Zambia. The school was held from October 14-16, 2021 in Chongwe. It covered topics such as feminism principles, ecofeminism, agroforestry and agribusiness. Activities included seed exhibition, best seed practices sharing and exchange visit to World Food Day event at Civic centre in Lusaka.
WEZ is an organization that works to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zambia. The organization was founded in 2013, and its members are drawn from all rural women based in specific target areas such as Rufunsa, Kabwe, Monze and Chongwe, including small scale farmers and teachers. The feminist school was open to all women members who were interested, and there was no participation fee.
The school also provided a space for women to learn about and exhibit indigenous seeds, as well as to share their experiences and knowledge with others by organizing a seed exhibition to allow for women to bring various local seed varieties such Ganganta and Kafwamba, cowpeas, sunflower, millet, sorghum etc.to share. They also attended the National seed fair in Lusaka to visit and learn how other farmers are preserving and using indigenous seed. With its inclusive and empowering approach, the WEZ 2021 Feminist School was able to make a valuable contribution and impact to WEZ members on bridging the knowledge gap on feminism and local seed.