Loretta Ching’andu, a first-year student in the M.S. in Digital Marketing and Media, almost didn’t enroll at the Katz School of Science and Health. A graduate of the University of Zambia, Ching'andu had set her sights on doing graduate work in Europe, but a series of coincidences—a partial scholarship to a Polish university that didn’t cover living expenses, a friend’s acceptance to an American university and a fascination with Judaism—prompted her to apply to the Katz School despite being warned at home that America was a forbidding place.

“I’m Christian but I’ve always wanted to learn Hebrew, so I felt like maybe this was God leading me to this moment,” said Ching’andu. “And it’s always been a dream of mine to work for the United Nations.”

Before enrolling, Ching’andu was a rising star as a stakeholder relations and communications officer at Chilanga Cement Plc in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The Katz School’s offer of a STEM Fellows scholarship and the reputation of the school’s digital marketing master’s program clinched her decision.

Not long after her enrollment, the Justina Mutale Foundation, which aims to educate and motivate women and girls to become leaders, saw Ching’andu’s Linkedin story about joining the Katz School and reached out with a surprise invitation to speak at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women parallel event on “Financing Female-led Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” which took place on March 15.

“I shared the experiences and challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and innovators in Zambia,” said Ching’andu, “and advocated for their empowerment.”

During the panel discussion, Ching’andu emphasized the need for policies and initiatives promoting equal access to funding and financial resources for ventures led by women that address discrimination in financial institutions, as well as female role models and mentors to inspire and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs. The panel included Zarin Hainsworth, chair of the UK Civil Society Women's Alliance and National Alliance of Women’s Organisations, and Michael Simfukwe, director of planning and finance of the Justina Mutale Foundation. 

“It's not just about access to funding,” she said, “it’s about mentorship, networking opportunities and a supportive community that champions women’s success. Investors are there, so skills development is crucial.”

Ching’andu said that in Zambia, young women with entrepreneurial ambitions encounter barriers to loans and lines of credit and market opportunities because of cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender stereotypes and discrimination.  

“Financial institutions often perceive women, especially young ones, as high-risk borrowers,” she said, “and gender-based violence and harassment further undermine women’s confidence and safety in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.”

Young women, she said, need access to affordable and flexible financial vehicles, mentorship programs and capacity-building initiatives to equip them with the skills and resources to succeed in business. This can be achieved through the establishment of specialized funds and financial institutions that cater to women who have the next big idea.

In response to a question about the perception of men as a barrier to equality, Ching’andu said the goal should be to view men not as adversaries but as partners in dismantling patriarchal structures and creating an equitable society.

“I loved that this was an intergenerational conversation and the depth of knowledge from all the panelists,” she said. “Let’s ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”