Unmasking the Forcechange in Africa: Namatama Sakabilo
By Monica Brown
Namatama Mildred Pumulo Sakabilo is a force for change in Africa. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, and has dedicated her career to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership.
Namatama Mildred Pumulo Sakabilo boasts over 17 years of experience in both development and humanitarian contexts, specializing in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, and Women Peace and Security. Her dedication to promoting women’s rights and leadership underscores her impactful contributions to these vital areas. Namatama has been at the forefront of numerous programmes aimed at increasing women’s participation and representation in decision-making positions, especially in the political arena. She has successfully managed initiatives that ensure women’s voices are heard and their perspectives integrated into leadership roles which saw Zambia having the first female Vice President and several women appointed to lead various key institutions including the first female Chief Justice.
She served as the Gender Advisor for over 2 years at the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) where she provided advice to the Government of Mozambique and partners regarding the advancement of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE); promotion of and compliance with SADC instruments and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security; and delivered appropriate training at all levels within and outside the SADC Mission in Mozambique.
One of Namatama’s notable achievements includes coordinating the National Campaign to End Child Marriage in Zambia, an initiative that led to the Zambian President being recognized as the African Union Champion in 2017. This Campaign brought significant awareness and drove policy changes to protect young girls from the detrimental effects of early marriage. In her role as Coordinator for the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zambia, Namatama’s efforts were instrumental in establishing Fast Track Courts, which have significantly improved access to justice for GBV survivors.
Additionally, she played a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of the Victim Support Unit, ensuring victims receive timely and effective support. Beyond her work in justice and policy reform, Namatama has been a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment. She has supported and implemented numerous programmes designed to uplift women economically, providing them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve financial independence and stability. Her commitment to gender equality and women’s rights has been a driving force behind her extensive and impactful career. She is a Trainer in the Multidisciplinary Management of Survivors of GBV; African Union Trainer of Trainers on Gender Mainstreaming in Peace Support Operations; and Trainer of Trainers in the ILO Get Ahead Together Tool.
Namatama has collaborated extensively with various international, regional and national organizations, as well as various Governments. Notable affiliations include: AU, SADC, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, NGOs, CSOs, FBOs, religious and traditional leaders across Africa, Parliamentarians, academia, media, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
Namatama holds a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science and Development Studies from the University of Zambia (UNZA). Additionally, I possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health focussing on Sexual and Reproductive Health from Lund University in Sweden, along with several certificates in various fields including Peace Support Operations, and I am professionally proficient in English, and currently self-learning Portuguese.
As the host of ‘Gender and Conflict in Africa’ on CRW Radio, Namatama Mildred Pumulo Sakabilo brings decades of frontline experience and unwavering passion to the mic, igniting vital dialogues on women’s empowerment and peace.
We’re thrilled to showcase Namatama’s powerful insights through her articles, each one a testament to her dedication and expertise in driving real change. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and challenged. And be sure to tune in to her show on CRW Radio for in-depth explorations and transformative conversations!
Monica Brown, Content Director for CRW News and CRW Radio, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur
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