Zambia Diversity Climate Notes *** WELCOME TO ZAMBIA The Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country- specific information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. The notes were created to facilitate the ability of study abroad professionals to find a good country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be received abroad because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion or disability. The Zambia diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the climate of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in the country. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in the country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered. While the note provides a bird’s-eye view of diversity matters in the country as they pertain to U.S. students, the country information found in the note is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country, returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge. COUNTRY OVERVIEW Zambia is a fusion of rich cultures, languages, and traditions. Formerly known as Northern Rhodesia until its independence in 1964, Zambia is a landlocked country approximately the size of Texas in the southern region of Africa. It borders eight other African countries. Geographically, it is home to an abundance of wildlife and remarkable waterfalls including Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 70 ethnic groups, there are several ceremonies that occur annually that provide insight into the traditional culture in Zambia. Zambia is a lower middle-income country yet poverty, especially in rural areas, is high. Over half of the population lives in rural areas with very limited access to electricity and depend on farming as a means for food and employment. Its most valued natural resource, copper, has contributed to its growing economy over the past decade. Although recently, Zambia’s currency, the kwacha has depreciated. In addition to the poverty rates UNICEF reports that HIV continues to be an epidemic in Zambia with an estimated <200 adult and 25 children new infections occurring daily. The Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors report notes that 291 U.S. students participated in education abroad programs in Zambia during the 2013-2014 academic year. *** ETHNIC MINORITIES IN ZAMBIA Potential Considerations for Students of Color Zambia’s race relations is progressive and there is generally open acceptance among people of various ethnic backgrounds. Following the unexpected passing of President Michael Sata in 2014, the then Vice President of Zambia Guy Scott became acting President. He became the first white African President in sub-Saharan Africa since apartheid and has referred to race relations in Zambia specifically between blacks and whites as being healthier than in neighboring countries. Guy was succeeded by Edgar Lungu. Notes: • Zambia has an estimated 40,000 white Zambians, and nearly 15 million blacks. It is also home to a small percentage of Asians, most with roots from India. Additional Links: • Blogger On The ‘Significance’ Of Being Black And Traveling Abroad, Huffington Post • Zambia: An Adventure Seeker’s Playground, Travel Noire *** SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN ZAMBIA Potential Considerations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Students The LGBTQ community in Zambia faces a challenging cultural and governmental climate. As with many conservative African countries, homosexuality is illegal in Zambia and subject to a penalty varying between 15 and up to life imprisonment for activities the government considers to be an “unnatural offense” or “acts against the order of nature”. Societal violence, discrimination and prejudice occurs frequently and public displays of affection for LGBTQ persons is not a societal norm and can lead to legal issues. The government does not protect LGBTQ persons from discrimination in housing or employment, and provides minimal access to health supplies. Public LGBTQ community organizations rarely exist in Zambia due to difficulty in finding funding to keep them thriving. Nevertheless, there are a few LGBTQ advocacy groups who conduct private social gatherings and discretely provide resources to the community. Notes: • Non-Zambian (foreigners) gays have not been known to be targets of governmental charges, but do avoid public displays of affection. • Lusaka-based LGBT organization Friends of Rainka is notable for its support of the LGBTQ community in Zambia. • More information about the Penal Code’s penalties towards LGBTQ person can be found here. Additional Links: • Gay in Zambia, Huffington Post • Gay Zambia - The New Scene, Global Gayz • Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014, Zambia (see section under Acts of Violence, Discrimination, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) *** PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN ZAMBIA Potential Considerations for Students with Disabilities The Persons with Disability Act was passed by the Zambian government in 2012. The act has several goals including promoting the participation of persons with disabilities with equal opportunities in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres and to ensure accessibility by persons with disabilities to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment. The legislation is new therefore a productive shift towards in fulfilling its goals will take time. Currently, the Zambian government does not require public buildings, schools or hospitals to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Notes: • There are inclusive tourism companies in the Southern African countries that offer tours and safaris for guests with disabilities. Additional Links: • Zambia Has the Potential to Become a Disability Champion in the African Region, United Nations Human Rights • Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Zambia, International Labour Organization • Zambia Federation of disability organizations (ZAFOD) Country Report • Disability Rights in Zambia, Sida *** RELIGION IN ZAMBIA Potential Considerations for Religious Students Zambia’s constitution states that it is a Christian country. The majority of Zambians practice Christianity (95.5%), with Protestant and Roman Catholics being the two notable denominations. When Christian missionaries arrived to the country, they established Roman Catholic churches that quickly grew the large denomination. Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i are also practiced as governmental policies support freedom of religion. Notes: • An estimated 200,00 Muslims live within the Lusaka, Eastern and Copperbelt Provinces. • Discrimination based on religion is rare; freedom and tolerance of various religions is widely accepted and practiced. Additional Links: • International Religious Freedom Report for 2015, Zambia, U.S. Department of State • Human Rights and Religious Liberty in Christian Nation, Daily Nation *** WOMEN IN ZAMBIA Potential Considerations for Female Students Always travel within a group, be cognizant of your surroundings at all times, and if possible, travel within daylight hours. While Zambia is generally considered a safe location for foreign travelers, expatriates have been victims of armed robberies and women the victims of carjacking. Political demonstrations occur occasionally in the capital city and surrounding areas, and these incidents should be avoided due to the possibility of it unintentional becoming violent. Female students traveling throughout the area should be aware of the use of “date rape” drugs. Also, inquire from notable local sources the safest option to commute throughout the city, but be conscientious about sharing plans and a proposed itinerary while staying locally. Notes: • Zambia has been regarded as a friendly and welcoming places for female travelers. • Gender inequality among Zambian women remains an issue with gender based violence incidents and discrimination towards women seeking political or economic positions. Additional Links: • Women’s Travel in Africa, Hostelbookers • Safety for Women, Zambia Travel Guide • Women Travelers on Zambia, Pink Pangea *** FAST FACTS: ZAMBIA Capital: Lusaka Population: 15,510,711 (July 2016 est.) Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2016 est.) Language(s): Bembe 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% Note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family (2010 est.) Religions: Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.) Ethnic groups: Bemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) .