Zambia: Mulenga Kateule

Date: November 4, 2019

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Name	Mulenga Nelly
Surname	Kateule
Country	Zambia
Give a short history of the leader	I was chosen among my fellow councillors to become the Gender Champion for the council and I welcomed this appointment and since then, I have developed so much interest in gender works and striving to bring about change in this area and I am really working hard to mobilize girl child to practice their rights and take keen interest in civic leadership so that come 2030, we reach a target of 50-50 gender representation in parliament
Objectives	To positively impact the lives of people and help women and girls live better lives. I also love to share information in my community on gender issues and other issues that affect their day to day lives. I am making a difference in my society by helping people in need and ensuring that there is development in my ward.
Key activities	I reach out to churches, homes, schools, communities and i train community members of all age groups on gender related issues, like gender equality, women empowerment and gender based violence among others. i usually carry out this when i am invited at places like schools, churches, communities and during my community visitations.
Key challenges	Some of the challenges faced include; undermining, most male folks think that they are the most intelligent people and they usually look down on women hence making it difficult for women to participate in decision making due to lack of support from the men. Lack of finances to implement gender project activities
Results
Change at the individual level	It has changed my life in a way that I am able to mingle with the great men and women and it has built my self image, self esteem and I am now knowledgeable. I am able to speak in public and i have become a source of hope to others. I receive a lot of support from the council in my work and I work closely with the Gender Focal Point Person and District AIDS Coordinating Advisor
Evidence of change at the individual level	The former Minister, Hon. Mwenya Musenge used to praise me and would tell me words like “You are very focused, transparent, very dedicated and determined and i would be a very good mentor to other women ” according to him
Change at the household level	I have learned to balance up both boys and girls in terms of education, even when my husband is not around, i am able to sort out issues at home.
Evidence of change at the household level	My husband usually tells me that he has noticed some change in me since i got involved in these works, i am able to balance work and home
Change at institutional level	The Mayor of the great city of Kitwe told me that I am very brave woman and you work tirelessly in your community and would want you to encourage more women to actively participateIss in development work
Evidence of change at institutional level	The Mayor of the great city of Kitwe told me that I am very brave woman and you work tirelessly in your community and would want you to encourage more women to actively participateIss in development work
Change at a policy level	Both issues of men and women at workplace are now being taken into account, this is done through gender responsive budgeting
Evidence of change at a policy level	N/A
Capacity building	I usually conduct community meetings where i accord the community members the opportunity to present their needs and concerns, challenges faced within the community, I also ensure that there is equal representation of men and women in these meetings
Lessons learned and shared	Being gender aware makes it easy for me to take into account the different needs and interests of both men and women, Gender is a wide topic. I have learned that when you are gender aware you manage your life ,your family, workmates and neighbours. I ensure i share all information i get regarding gender and this has opened my understanding and dealings in gender issues. Whatever i learn is what i teach. I have come to know that very few people are gender aware hence the need to keep disseminating information to people.
Next Steps	To make sure that i deliver what i promised to the people as their area councillor and also see to it gender is mainstreamed at institutional level and ward level