Standard Chartered Steps Up To Support Women Entrepreneurs
Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has announced that it has stepped up efforts to support Zambian female-owned businesses through its platinum sponsorship of the 2023 Evolve Fitness Festival. The event, which was held on Africa Freedom Day on 25th May at Nkwashi Housing Estate, attracted hundreds of fitness enthusiasts from across the country, and also raised funds to support school girls in rural Zambia under the Bupilo Foundation.
Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Christine Matambo, said that the bank was excited to partner with Evolve Women’s Fitness and Wellness Centre in the hosting of the Fitness Festival at Nkwashi. She said, “A key priority for us at Standard Chartered is to lift the participation of women in our economy. One of the ways we are doing this is through our Women in Technology (WiT) programme. WiT empowers Zambian female-owned businesses to grow their businesses through the use of technology. Since its launch in 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic, Standard Chartered has invested over US$500,000 into WiT. Each year, 5 finalists walk away with seed money of US$10,000 each to realise their business growth aspirations.”
She added, “Our platinum sponsorship of ZMW50,000 to Evolve aligns with our commitment to empower women. Firstly, Evolve is a very successful company that is owned and led by Zambian women. Their vision aligns with ours as far as women empowerment is concerned. Secondly, the Evolve Fitness festival provided a great platform to showcase our WiT programme, as well as to showcase the great innovation and strides being made by Zambian female entrepreneurs in our economy.”
Ms Matambo highlighted that the bank showcased four women businesses under the SC Women in Tech Programme at the festival.
Some 70% of the money raised from ticket sales from the Evolve Fitness Festival will be channelled towards supporting young girls in rural Zambia to access sanitary towels through the Bupilo Foundation.
“The foundation is doing important work to support young girls in the community, and we are proud to be able to support their efforts through our sponsorship of the Evolve Fitness Festival,” explained Ms Matambo.
In addition to sponsoring the Evolve Fitness Festival, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia also sponsored the International School of Lusaka (ISL) Colour Run in aid of special needs schools and the cancer hospital at UTH. The bank set aside ZMW37,000 for the run. “Our sponsorship of the ISL cancer run reflects our commitment to supporting causes that have a significant impact on our community,” said Ms Matambo.
Source: Standard Chartered Bank Zambia
