For over a century, International Women’s Day, held on 8 March each year, has marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world.
Inspired by a magnitude of other women worldwide, Zambian women are taking up space, running businesses, and changing the narrative of what it takes to be a woman. They are on social media pages, screens, billboards, and campaigns and are doing everything smart and creatively while inspiring the next set of women who look up to them.
For women’s month, we highlight six phenomenal women who are no strangers to our social media platforms and pop-ups. If you are not following these women, here is a reason why you need to pay attention to them.
1. Lontia Kangwa
She’s a TV, radio, and Media Major graduate. Lontia’s creative journey started in 2016 but narrates that she has always been a creative from birth. “I initially focused only on makeup and all things beauty. My brand has now evolved into more of a beauty and lifestyle brand,” Lontia explains.
In her early creative career, everything that Lontia did was purely out of passion, and her drive is what led to her getting paid gigs (she no longer does free work) hence it has become a job for her.
Due to her creative director tag, social media has always made it easy for Lontia to practice and perfect her craft over the years. “I hold makeup masterclasses to teach everything about makeup and most people find out about these masterclasses on social media.” She shares.
When asked about female collaborations, Lontiahighlights that; “I love women genuinely and truly and I am passionate about all our success. When one of us gets ahead we all do and I truly feel like there is room for everyone to win, so I am all for female collaborations.”
Instagram – @lontiakangwa
2. Fathima Abdoola
Fathima Abdoola is a qualified and accredited Dietitian and Nutritionist. She holds a Master’s Degree in Dietetics and a Bachelors in Nutrition from The University of Queensland. With over eight years of work experience and having lectured at The University of Zambia, Fathima runs her own private practice and provides nutrition services to those who need it.
“I am passionate about helping people eat healthy and manage lifestyle diseases with the foods they know and love. I educate my clients with easy-to-understand nutrition facts and powerful tools for long-lasting change.” She shares.
Fathima started actively using social media in February 2021 and has gained a following of 6K. She uses social media to raise awareness for healthy eating with local Zambian foods and products.
Women are unapologetically stepping into their power and collaborating with each other to shape the industry they operate in.
Fathima is no stranger to female-led collaborations, she explains, “I think they are amazing and uplifting for each of us. Working online can be isolating and having conversations as a united front towards the same cause reiterated the needs for what we do. Women supporting women is always like a therapy session. You just feel so great after that chat.”
Instagram – @eatsmart_dietetics
3. Dee Walker Chikuba
Lusaka-based Food and Travel blogger, when Dee is not traveling; she is reviewing different restaurants and pleasing locations giving us the entire gist on different foods, drinks and ambiance!
Popularly known as ‘the zed travel foodie’, Dee was born in Zambia and spent a part of her life in England.Despite her degree in History, the creative path chose her. “I’ve always been into acting, singing and dancing since I was little but never knew I could blog and create as effectively as I do! It’s been a new and exciting experience the last few years since I started TheZedTravelFoodie.”
“I started my platform primarily to encourage black Zambians to see and experience our beautiful country, but it has definitely evolved from there since. I also show my international travels as well as my other interests such as wine and fitness too!” She shares.
Her authentic aura has set her aside from everyone else and this is undeniably who she is when you meet her in person. When asked about female collaborations, Dee explains, “I think there is so much female talent in the creative sphere, so it only makes sense to work and leverage off each other and elevate one another! We are seeing so many female creatives and content creators as well as collaborations and it’s beautiful to see.”
Instagram – @thezedtravelfoodie
4. Mwaka Mwiimbu
When you first hear the mention of Mwaka Mwiimbu, most likely you will think of her brand ‘bitemebymwakie’ who is no stranger to food styling, brand influencing, cooking, sharing recipes, and food blogging.
Mwaka holds a bachelor’s degree in History, Politics, and Governance from The University of Cape Town as well as a bachelor’s of Arts with joint Honors from The University of Witwatersrand specializing in International Relations and Political Studies. Mwaka is passionate about African development and enthusiastic about ending poverty while strengthening food security in Zambia and Africa as a whole.
“My creative journey Started somewhere between 2015 and 2016 when I decided to create a social media platform showcasing different restaurants and eating spots in Zambia and wherever the wind took me. From there I decided to start sharing content of me creating some of my favorite recipes while experimenting with different cooking styles. I use social media to share new and exciting ways of cooking by sharing authentic and original recipes,” she reveals.
Mwaka has worked with brands such as Nederburg and Coca-Cola to showcase the versatility of their products and how they can be incorporated into everyday cooking.
“I’m all for female collaborations, I mean the future is female. There are several industries that are heavily male dominated including the food industry believe it or not. So the more we women come together and build together, the easier it will be for us to take up space, to be seen, to be heard, and to thrive.” She shares.
In ending, Mwaka shares that women need to get out of their comfort zone and go above the odds to make their dreams come true.
Instagram – @bite_me_by_mwakie
5. Mwaba Marie Chandia
Mwaba exudes warmth, authenticity, beauty, and above all her art will leave you in awe. Currently concludingthe last year of her Bachelor of Fine Arts online at Emily Car University of Arts and Design.
Raised by two visual artists, Mwaba shares, “I grew up extremely anxious and shy. I had a hard time expressing myself and art was always a much easier way to express myself and process the world around me. The more I’ve grown and realized the power arts holds, the stronger my artistic practice has become.”
Considering art is a form of expression, Mwaba’s work is meaningful with a primary focus of highlighting black women for the purpose of accurate representation and celebration as well as displaying the beauty of culture. She also owns a contemporary art studio by the name of Kasuba Studio, where she sells different pieces such as jewelry, sculptures, and custom-made designs bespoke for your liking.
Social media has been a great tool in getting my message across, promoting myself and my practice, and in return being supported by people out there. It has also been a great platform to meet like-minded people who are willing to share ideas and work with others around them. She shares.
When asked about female collaborations, she says, “ I’m always open to female collaborations. In fact, I often work closely with two incredible female artists here in Zambia, Sthembile Ismael & Lazarina Matuta. We are always sharing opportunities with each other & connecting our individual networks to broaden our reach. I’m all for anything that involves uplifting other women and collaborations can be a great tool for networking & expanding one’s awareness as long as there are mutual benefits for all parties.”
Instagram – @mwabzzz
6. Clara Kapelembe Bwali
She recently featured on an episode of the Wood Kitchen where she prepared mouthwatering ‘lumanda’. Clara Kapelembe Bwali popularly known as ‘Black Garlic’ is a wife, mother of two, food content creator who cooks, styles, photographs and edits food content for social media and brands. She holds a degree in Computer and Information Sciences.
With her introspective and creative food blogging, Clara’s journey started off as a hobby after having experimented many times. She decided to be a full time food blogger in 2020.
“The main reason I started food blogging was to fill in the gap for local companies to use authentic Zambian content and pictures by local creatives because the stock images bothered me.” She shares.
Clara uses social media to share her content and interact with followers. She details that female collaborations are becoming stronger and are a learning experience for her. In ending Clara adds, “The food creative scene is at its peak. It is a beautiful sight to see and now more than ever, brands are now open to work with creatives.”
Instagram – @blackgarliczambia
The above women and more that are not highlighted continue to show everyone that the future is indeed female!
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See you in the next blog!
