Zambia Secures Historic Representation on Global Graduate Women International Committees
Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia has made history with the election of three Zambian scholars to key international committees of Graduate Women International (GWI) during its 35th Triennial General Assembly, hosted at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. This is the first time in GWI’s 106-year history that Zambia will hold direct representation on its standing committees.
Zambia’s Achievement Against Global Voting Power
Despite having only 1 voting delegate out of a possible 89, Zambia’s nominees prevailed in a competitive election featuring much larger delegations:
- Türkiye – 5 votes
- Canada – 8 votes
- Great Britain – 4 votes
- India – 4 votes
- Japan – 4 votes
- New Zealand – 4 votes
- Switzerland – 4 votes
Other nations with significant representation included France, Nigeria, Ghana, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Ireland, Egypt, Israel, and the United States.
“The success of our candidates against such overwhelming odds is a powerful testament to the respect and recognition Zambian women have earned on the global academic stage,” said a Zambian academic present at the assembly.
Newly Elected Zambian Committee Members
The following Zambian academics have been elected:
- Dr. Annie Musonda-Mubanga, President of Graduate Women Zambia – Convener, GWI Education Committee
- Dr. Eunice Imasiku, Former President of GWZ – Member, International Projects Development Committee
- Dr. Margaret Mwale-Mkandawire, Vice President of GWZ – Member, Membership Committee
Additionally, Professor Annie Sikwibele is being considered for appointment to the International Fellowships and Awards Committee by the incoming board.
Why This Matters
GWI, founded in 1919, has held permanent consultative status at the United Nations since 1947, shaping key policies on education and gender equality, including at the Commission on the Status of Women. Zambia’s presence on these committees gives the country a direct voice in global advocacy for women’s education and leadership.
This victory is being celebrated as not only a milestone for Zambia but also a regional triumph for Southern Africa.