Empowering Women Through Standards

ZCSA links compliance with public safety and national development goals

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (09-03-2026) — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says it is empowering women through standards by strengthening support for women entrepreneurs, promoting women’s economic empowerment, ensuring regulatory standards for business growth, advancing gender inclusion in the workplace, and recognising women’s contributions to national development.

According to a statement issued by , Manager for Communications and Public Relations at ZCSA, the agency is committed to enforcing compulsory standards that enhance the growth and competitiveness of women-led businesses.

, ZCSA Executive Director, said the agency ensures that products placed on the market meet compulsory standards, allowing women-owned businesses to produce safe and quality goods capable of competing locally and internationally.

Mr. Chizinga said the agency’s mandate to administer and enforce compulsory standards plays a key role in creating a fair and competitive business environment while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.

He added that by enforcing these standards, ZCSA is not only safeguarding consumers but also supporting national development by enabling entrepreneurs, including women, to grow sustainable businesses.

Mr. Chizinga urged staff to provide enhanced support to women-led businesses in their daily regulatory work. He said the agency is encouraged by the increasing number of women within ZCSA, who are now represented at multiple levels of the institution.

He said that as of December 2025, ZCSA had 45 female employees, representing 32 percent of the total staff complement. Mr. Chizinga commended these women for their contributions to enforcing standards and protecting public health and safety.

“It is therefore my call to all of us to support this initiative through mentoring women. It is for this reason that ZCSA management does not hesitate to engage females under the internship programme,” Mr. Chizinga said.

He pledged that the agency will continue increasing women’s representation at all levels and maintain inclusivity in all activities.

Meanwhile, ZCSA Senior Inspector under the Import Quality Monitoring Department, , thanked management for recognising the important role women play in advancing the agency’s work.

She said acknowledging women’s contributions motivates them to continue supporting the agency’s mandate.

Ms. Kaunda added that this year’s was commemorated under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

She said the is mandated to administer, maintain, and enforce compulsory standards for public safety, consumer protection, and environmental protection.