Empowering the Next Generation: The 2024 Be That Girl Annual Conference
Mothers Without Borders (MWB), a U.S.-based NGO headquartered in Provo, Utah, has spent over 20 years working to protect the vulnerable and uplift marginalized communities in Zambia. Their mission is centered on empowering women and vulnerable youth, particularly in the greater Lusaka area.
In 2021, MWB formed a partnership with Be That Girl (BTG), a Switzerland-based philanthropic foundation committed to helping women lead self-determined lives and achieve their full potential. This collaboration resulted in the launch of the MWB Be That Girl program in Lusaka, Zambia—a transformative initiative focused on providing mentorship, education, and essential resources to young women.
The program, supported by BTG and implemented by MWB, equips girls with the tools and guidance needed to overcome life’s challenges and shape their futures. By fostering peer support groups, providing financial aid, and offering mentorship, the program encourages young women to pursue their educational goals while developing resilience and leadership skills. The initiative has become a beacon of hope, creating opportunities for personal growth and success for young Zambian women.
A Visionary Leader: Josephine Mulenga Daka
The Be That Girl program’s success is driven by the visionary leadership of Josephine Mulenga Daka, MWB’s Africa Regional Programs Director. Josephine, affectionately known as Jo, has been with Mothers Without Borders since 2002 and has led its programs since 2013. Her dedication and strategic insights have shaped MWB’s initiatives into impactful, life-changing programs that directly benefit thousands of individuals across Zambia each year.
Josephine’s leadership is grounded in her deep understanding of local culture—she is proficient in more than a dozen Zambian dialects—and her commitment to social work, holding a master’s degree in the field. She also serves as Chair of the Zambia Association of Child Care Workers and is a core team member of the Empowerment of Children and Adolescent Programme (ECAP).
Without Jo’s leadership, the Be That Girl program would not have achieved the success it enjoys today. Her work has not only expanded the reach of MWB’s programs but has also inspired and uplifted thousands of lives across Africa.
Event Summary: The 2024 Be That Girl Annual Conference – “Arise, Bold & Brave”
On August 17th, the 2024 Be That Girl Annual Conference, hosted by Mothers Without Borders, took place at the Mika Convention Center in Lusaka, Zambia. This vibrant and inspiring gathering focused on empowering young women through mentorship, education, and community building. Mentors, mentees, and a diverse group of accomplished speakers, including program graduates, came together to share their experiences and insights, motivating the participants to take charge of their futures.
The conference featured a range of activities designed to foster a sense of unity and courage among the attendees, including team-building exercises, cultural performances, and motivational speeches.
A highlight of the event was the graduation ceremony, during which 12 mentees celebrated their achievements—an important milestone in their journey to becoming strong, confident leaders.
The event garnered national attention and was featured on Zambian national news, underscoring the importance of the Be That Girl program. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, through a speech delivered by Lusaka Province Child Development Coordinator Fidelis Mboma on behalf of Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami, praised the program’s efforts.
“The government recognizes the efforts of Mothers Without Borders in educating the girl child by funding their education from secondary to tertiary level,” the Ministry emphasized, calling on all stakeholders to support girls' education and highlighting the transformative potential that young women have to change the world.
Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the impact the program has had on their lives. As one participant, Annastazia Banda, shared, “Mothers Without Borders and Be That Girl have been a great help to me because without them I don’t think I would have finished secondary school.
They came in when I was in grade ten, and now I’m at university.” Another participant, Bupe Namusukuma, reflected on the mentorship component of the program: “You have different mentors, so if you are having difficulties in anything, you can talk to your mentor. It’s like your mentor is your second mother.”
Inspiring Speakers
The conference showcased a roster of inspiring speakers, each with a unique story of perseverance and success:
Lusungu Kayela, a recognized leader with a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Laws degree, co-founded HLB Zambia and currently serves as Managing Director of Seeff Group of Companies. With over 14 years of experience in human resource management, Lusungu shared insights from her extensive career in the audit and accounting industry.
Kunda Mando, a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in electronic media, has worked with major organizations such as the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and the Bank of Zambia. Currently serving as Assistant Director – Head of Communications at the Ministry of Education, Kunda also moderated high-profile events, such as the African Union Heads of States Summit.
Sarah Ngoma, a trailblazing carpenter and entrepreneur, founded Finest Fit Kitchens and Wardrobes in Zambia. With certifications in carpentry, joinery, and construction, Sarah has made a name for herself in a male-dominated field, inspiring many women to pursue careers in construction and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Chilufya Mwewa, an experimental particle physicist currently working at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States, has made significant contributions to research at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. Her journey from Zambia to the forefront of global scientific research exemplifies perseverance and dedication to advancing knowledge in her field.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The Be That Girl program continues to serve as a powerful force for change in Zambia, providing young women with the tools, mentorship, and confidence they need to rise boldly and bravely in pursuit of their dreams.
The 2024 conference exemplified this mission, with its inspiring speakers, cultural exchanges, and celebratory graduation marking another year of transformation for the girls involved.
The impact of the Be That Girl program is felt not only in the academic success of its participants but in the empowerment of the next generation of Zambian leaders.
As these girls grow into confident women, equipped with the education and skills to succeed, they also pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for their communities and beyond.