Diakonia started working in Zambia with two partners in 2003. Today we cooperate with sixteen organizations at different levels of society, organizations that all work with Diakonia’s five thematic areas: human rights, democracy, gender equality, social and economic justice plus peace and reconciliation.

Women – among the most affected

After 30 years of deep economic crisis Zambia has, for the first time since the beginning of 2000, been experiencing a period of strong economic growth, mainly because of the demand for the country’s most important export goods – copper.

The economic growth, pared with help from the external world in reducing Zambia’s debts, has improved the economy, but for ordinary people the situation hasn’t changed. Out of roughly 13 million inhabitants, two thirds still survive on less than a US dollar a day.

Poverty is especially widespread in the countryside and women are among the most heavily affected. Women have a weak status and are especially discriminated when it comes to laws regulating marriage, divorce and inheritance. And when it comes to employment, the numbers are stagnant.

Land rights in focus

In Zambia Diakonia has provided capacity building support on for example anti-corruption, hiv/aids and gender equality.

Three of Diakonia’s partners have formed “the Zambia Land Alliance”, a network dealing with the question of land issues and among other progresses has managed to influence the writings of the national constitution.

Another focus is gender equality: partners work – for example – with gender equality through radio, and specifically with violence against women, a work that has resulted in more reports.

Memory Phiri is active in Diakonia’s partner organization TALC.Photo: Markus Marcetic

Story of change from Zambia The HIV-positive and AIDS sufferers comprise a vulnerable group whose rights must be looked after. This is the focus of Diakonia's partner organisation TALC in Zambia. One person who has received help from TALC is Memory Phiri. She was only 13 when she was raped and infected with HIV. Now she is giving the young people a voice and concrete support. She leads Zambia's first therapy group for people with HIV and Aids. HIV-infected at the age of 13   Strategic work plan Diakonia's work is based on a strategic workplan, covering both short term and long term goals. For updated information on specific issues, please contact us. Contact information - Diakonia in Africa List of partner organisations in Africa