Habitat for Humanity Zambia and Standard Chartered Bank carried out a Women’s Build last year in January. The build was held in Lusaka where the women built a house for Patrick and Mary Zulu. The First Lady, Mrs. Thandiwe Banda, was the guest of honour, while the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Mzinga Melu, Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson, Florence Mumba, and Women for Change Executive Director, Emily Sikazwe, were among the women that constructed the house for the Zulu family. Standard Chartered Bank is HFH Zambia’s partner and has given $12,000 toward building housing units for the underprivileged worldwide.

The First Lady urged the need for decent shelter to be addressed as it is important for Zambia to achieve its development goals. Mrs. Banda said the assistance that Habitat for Humanity Zambia provided to vulnerable communities has helped more than 70% of the population in Lusaka. HFH Zambia’s National Director Petronella Shiaka said Zambians’ housing problems have been compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Standard Chartered Bank Director, Mzinga Melu, said there is a need for partnerships to achieve the goal of providing decent accommodation for all. This Women’s Build encouraged women to make a difference by building homes and changing communities.