Government has launched the Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Zambia Chapter, a platform designed to connect Zambian women in film and television to global training opportunities, international grants and production funding. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, said the initiative will open doors for women in the creative industry to access continental and global co-production spaces, mentorship and leadership programmes, as well as networking opportunities with creatives in Hollywood, Nollywood, South Africa and other major film hubs. Delivering a speech on his behalf during the launch in Lusaka, Ministry Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe described the platform as a major milestone for Zambia’s creative future.
“Government remains fully committed to advancing the empowerment of women across all sectors, especially the creative arts. Women must be fully included in economic participation, leadership visibility, opportunity access and policy development,” he said. Nkandu noted that the creative economy cannot grow sustainably without the full participation of women, stressing that half of the country’s creative talent remains underutilised.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for women in the creative sector. Speaking at the same event, WIFT Zambia President Becky Ngoma said the chapter becomes part of a global network of more than 60 WIFT chapters working to uplift women in film, television and other screen-based media. She said WIFT Zambia will help women build strong professional networks, enhance their visibility and take up leadership roles in the industry, adding that the organisation will collaborate with WIFT Africa to strengthen mentorship, capacity building and economic empowerment. And National Arts Council Chairperson Maureen Lilanda urged women in the creative sector to support one another in order to thrive.
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