As part of the commemoration of International Women’s Day under the theme Women’s Agenda-Making it Happen, FINCA Zambia teamed up with Hot FM on the 10th of March and took part in a dedicated outside radio broadcast campaign which was held at Chilenje Market. The rationale of the partnership was to highlight the significant role that women play in the informal sector and offer Financial Literacy Education to four deserving women traders drawn from different markets in Lusaka. The women were offered business grants of K 2,500 by Hot FM and opened savings accounts with FINCA to ensure the safety of their grants. The sensitization on the Importance of Savings, Credit Management and Financial Management for small businesses was also extended to all who came through to the FINCA marquee.

The day was full of excitement and we had an overwhelming response at the event. An Official Handover of the Empowerment Grants to the 4 recipients that were drawn was then held on the 22nd of April at Lodge Serenity. The Guest of Honor, Minister of Gender; Professor Nkandu Luo officiated the ceremony. She thanked FINCA for taking the initiative to empower the women with Business and Financial skills as well as encouraging the recipients to be savvy about their money. FINCA will closely monitor the women on how they will use the grants and they impact on their businesses.

Our Head of Banking Services, Clayton Machingaifa, gave a speech on the importance of being financially literate. The day was a resounding success; watch this space for further developments on our Financial Literacy program.