Professionals Unite to support Women and Children through New Foundation

A new organization dedicated to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in communities has been launched.

The Acquire to Share Foundation, led by professionals from various fields, aims to bridge the gap between the elite and the underprivileged by offering support in key areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

Founded in August 2024 and registered under the Registrar of Societies, the foundation was established with the mission of bringing hope to the hopeless, reducing vulnerabilities, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.

Speaking at the launch, Acquire to Share Foundation Executive Director Victoria Yambani has stated that the organization’s commitment to providing access to quality education and healthcare, supporting economic empowerment programs for families of vulnerable women and children, and protecting them from exploitation and abuse.

Mrs. Yambani has called on the government, stakeholders, and well-wishers to support organizations like Acquire to Share, particularly in ensuring easy access to legal aid for victims, fostering an open-door policy with government agencies, and facilitating the acquisition of essential tools and equipment for community activities.

"These measures will enhance our operations and expedite the process of assisting the vulnerable, effectively reducing poverty in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 1—eradicating poverty by 2030," she said.

She has further raised concern over the rising cases of sexual abuse against women and children in Zambia, urging the government, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to support harsher penalties for perpetrators of rape and defilement.

"Such inhumane acts cannot be tolerated in our society. We demand maximum punishment for offenders to deter future crimes and protect the future of our country," she stated.

Officiating at the launch, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has reaffirmed the government's commitment under President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership to creating an environment where all citizens have access to basic necessities.

However, Mr. Kawana has acknowledged that the government alone cannot tackle these challenges in isolation.

"The Ministry of Information and Media recognizes the power of media and advocacy in raising awareness about social issues and mobilizing resources for meaningful change. Acquire to Share Foundation’s approach leveraging media, community sensitization, and social awareness campaigns is commendable," Mr. Kawana said.

He has urged the foundation to work closely with the media to share the stories of those impacted by its work.

"Let us highlight the struggles of the vulnerable, but more importantly, let us showcase their resilience and the positive transformation that occurs when they are given opportunities," he added.

He further commended the foundation’s focus on women and children’s empowerment, noting that issues such as early marriages, maternal health, and mental health have far-reaching consequences on families and communities.

"Sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that women and children are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed," Mr. Kawana emphasized.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant and Advisor to the President, Jito Kaulyumba, pledged K30,000 towards the foundation's operations.

And, Alliance for Community Action Executive Director, Laura Miti, has encouraged the foundation to build trust with stakeholders providing both financial and physical support to ensure sustainability and transparency in its initiatives.

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