Seeds of Change: How Sunflowers, Football and Bicycles Grow Gender Equity in Zambia

In the wake of a devastating drought, embarking on a new agricultural venture felt like a gamble for the residents of Kalwani Diocese in Eastern Zambia. Yet with the support of ABM AID’s local partner, the Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Program (ZACOP), they stared down uncertainty.

Two community groups – the Gender Action Group (GAG) and the Men Engage Network (MEN) – mapped their strengths and decided to pour their resources, seeds and determination into a two-acre plot of land.

They considered the climate and decided that sunflowers might thrive. 

After the rains came, the field transformed into a vibrant sea of yellow as the sunflowers bloomed. Group members were happy to see their efforts come to life. At harvest time, their hard work yielded 300 kilograms of sunflower seeds, which were pressed into cooking oil for sale.

The successful harvest not only provided a source of income but also empowered both men and women. Adapting to new challenges helped develop new skills; collaboration inspired creativity and innovation. Most significantly, the work broke down age-old stereotypes. Traditionally, farming had been considered a male-dominated activity, but now, women were equally involved.

“We’re empowering each other,” one female participant remarked, “challenging traditional gender roles and promoting gender equality.”

“We are proud to take ownership of our project’s sustainability,” said another participant. “This is not just about us; it’s about our entire community.”

To keep the momentum going, the men of Kalwani took a creative approach to promoting gender equity: they turned to the football pitch.

Members of the Men Engaged Network organised a football tournament that drew 429 participants, using sport to open critical dialogues around gender-based violence. By the end of 2025, over 1,600 men had actively engaged in gender equality issues.

Elsewhere in Zambia, in Luapula Diocese, the Men Engage Network conducted training on transformative masculinity and advocacy. This training equipped volunteers with information and knowledge that will continue to be used in the communities after the project completion. 

Members of the Gender Action Group also received 28 bicycles through the project. Pedalling from village to village, these local champions now talk with communities about gender equity, gender-based violence and harmful gender stereotypes.

Through the support of ABM AID and the work of local Anglican partner ZACOP, men and women across two dioceses in Zambia are ensuring the seeds of change take root for future generations.

ZACOP’s Integrated Gender Equality program in Zambia receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).