REMEMBERING MAUREEN MWANAWASA

By Scoop Reporter

MAUREEN Kakubo Mwanawasa was born in Kabwe, Central Province on April 28, 1963, to Jeniya Lupumpaula Chilunga Kakubo and Lupumpaula Buluwayo Kakubo. She was the eighth born in a family of 10 children.

She started her school in 1970 at Raphael Kombe Primary School in Chimanimani Township in Kabwe. In 1976, she qualified for Form 1 at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Maramba, Livingstone, until her completion in 1981.

She later pursued law at the University of Zambia and further studied at the Institute for Advanced Legal Studies for her post-graduate studies in the same field. She also had a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration from the Edith Cowan University of Australia.

Maureen Mwanawasa met her future husband, Levy Mwanawasa, in Kabwe where they went on to get married on May 7, 1987 and had four children together, all girls but one.

She campaigned with her husband for 2001 elections when running for the presidency of Zambia which Levy Mwanawasa won on 27 December 2001 and took office on January 2, 2002.

Her public life before, during, and after leaving State House following the demise of her husband in 2008 was characterised by philanthropic activities, focusing on improving the lives of vulnerable populations in Zambia.

Known for her work in various social and charitable initiatives, particularly in areas related to health and women’s rights, Maureen Mwanawasa was also active in advocating for issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and support, as well as promoting education and empowerment for women and children.

She enhanced her community work by targeting women and the underprivileged in society when she founded the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) in 2002 through which she continued to serve humanity all these years, contributing to various causes and supporting the development of healthcare and education in the country.

Maureen, as the First Lady of Zambia, was actively involved in charitable work and health initiatives, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s empowerment. After Levy Mwanawasa’s death in 2008, Maureen continued her advocacy work and remained a prominent figure in Zambian society.

Their marriage is often remembered for its public service and commitment to social issues. Through her work, Maureen has left an indelible mark and a positive impact on many lives and continues to be recognized for her dedication to improving the health and well-being of Zambians.

While specific honors or awards may not be extensively documented, her impact and contributions to society have certainly been recognized by her peers and the communities she served.

She was a member of boards such as the Australian Institute Business Trust, Zambia; Law Association of Zambia; Zambia Association for High Value Crops; Female Lawyers Association, Zambia; Women Law Society, UK; Zambia Women Football Association.

She was also a Council Member of the Women’s Rights Committee; the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ); University Women’s Association and a recipient of awards such as International Hope Award, World Vision (2006); John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award, Georgetown University (2007), among others.

Her death was announced last evening by family member, Stanley Kakubo, who is also former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.