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Empowering Women, Transforming Communities

The Choma District Women’s Development Association (Choma DWDA) is a community-based, women-led non-governmental organization established in May 2000 and registered under the Societies Act (Reg. No. ORS/102/52/318). 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. 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.

Choma DWDA works in three traditional catchment areas—Chief Mapanza, Chief Cooma, and Chief Macha—with an expanding footprint across the Southern Province. For more than two decades, the organization has championed the rights of rural women, promoted sustainable livelihoods, addressed gender inequalities, and strengthened women’s leadership in community and district-level governance.