Choma DWDA
Choma District Women’s Development Association is a community-based, women-led non-governmental organization established in May 2000. It exists to improve the social, economic, cultural, and political wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized groups—especially women, girls, youth, and persons with disabilities—in Choma District, Southern Province.
DWDA serves as an umbrella body for 22 Area Associations and over 144 women’s groups, representing more than 2,500 members.
Our Vision
A community where women, youth, the disabled and marginalized groups are empowered, recognized and actively participating in all aspects of societal development.
Our Mission
To advocate for the social, cultural, political, and economic empowerment of women, youth, disabled persons, and marginalized communities in Choma, ensuring their active participation in development and the recognition of their rights.
Our Coverage
Choma DWDA works in three traditional catchment areas—Chief Mapanza, Chief Cooma, and Chief Macha—with an expanding footprint across the Southern Province.
Our Story
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
The Choma District Women Development Association (Choma DWDA) was established to address the pressing social and economic challenges faced by marginalized women in Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia. The formation of the association was inspired by the need to empower women through targeted interventions aimed at improving their socio-economic status and enhancing their role in community development. Central to its mission, Choma DWDA focuses on empowering marginalized women by providing access to skills training, economic opportunities, and resources such as small livestock, sustainable agriculture practices, and agribusiness ventures.
Additionally, the association facilitates market linkages for legumes and oilseeds, helping women increase their economic independence and resilience. A core component of Choma DWDA’s work is advocacy for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), striving to create a society where marginalized women, youth, and people with disabilities can access the same opportunities as others in both social and economic spheres.
The association’s efforts extend to improving livelihoods through various community development initiatives, such as agribusiness programs, capacity-building trainings, and comprehensive community health projects. These initiatives place particular emphasis on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), aiming to reach marginalized women, young women, and individuals with disabilities, thereby fostering inclusivity in health and development services.
Beyond Choma
The organisation works alongside sister DWAs in Kaoma, Zimba, Monze, Kalomo, Chipata, Chadiza, Mumbwa, and Lundazi, collectively forming a larger movement for women’s empowerment across Zambia.
Our Vision
A community where women, youth, the disabled and marginalized groups are empowered, recognized and actively participating in all aspects of societal development.
Core Values
Empathy
Understanding the challenges of marginalized groups.
Integrity
Honesty, accountability, and transparency.
Inclusivity
Ensuring equal access to services and opportunities.
Respect
Upholding dignity and human rights.
Our Program Focus Areas
Choma DWDA implements programs in alignment with national development priorities and global frameworks such as the SDGs...
Choma DWDA implements programs in alignment with national development priorities
DWDA serves as an umbrella body for 22 Area Associations and over 144 women’s groups, representing more than 2,500 members. An estimated 1,100 youths from affiliated households also participate in various skills development and empowerment activities. Beyond Choma, the organisation works alongside sister DWAs in Kaoma, Zimba, Monze, Kalomo, Chipata, Chadiza, Mumbwa, and Lundazi, collectively forming a larger movement for women’s empowerment across Zambia.