Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) was formed in 2003 as an open space that provides free platform for ordinary citizens to discuss democratically on issues that affect them. The forum aims to formulate affirmative actions that inform advocacy planning and allow citizens to engage at policy level for social change in their respective thematic areas they represent. The forum is also a network of Civil So
ciety Organizations, individuals and Community groupings, which is part of the World Social Forum of CSOs prelude to the Southern Africa Social Forum (SASF), Southern Africa People’s Network Summit (SAPSN) African Social Forum (ASF) and World Social Forum (WSF) that takes place annually and bi-annually respectively. ZAMSOF aims at “improving participation of the general citizenry in the policy making processes for the national sustainable development in partnership with affected communities.” The forum further serves to build community, regional and global solidarity around issues of social, ecological, political, and economic justice in quest for sustainable development. The Zambia Social Forum has a track record of mobilizing community members through social forums to discuss pressing issues and concerns. These forus have resulted in community groups building consensus and engage with duty bearers to demand for improved services in their respective communities. The forum has received support from partners and stakeholders like Actionaid Zambia, Oxfam, Open Society Institute of Southern Africa (OSISA), African Social Forum Council, AIDS Alliance International, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), Sight Savers, and Disability Rights Watch, African Support Centre based in South Africa, Zambia Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ZLSCVI). ZAMSOF has further Conducted literacy classes on policies of neoliberalism and globalization and food sovereignty with technical moral support from FAHAMU in Kenya, People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS ) based in Philippines and global Southern and Eastern African Countries. The forum has been hosting study circles on food sovereignty and climate justice with support from the Philippines and FAHAMU based in Kenya respectively. ““Seeing is Believing” project “Eye Care Health “Get Up, Stand Up, Get Your Eyes Tested” in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Zambia Federation of organizations of Disability Organizations (ZAFOD), Financed by Standard Chartered Bank in collaboration with Sight Savers Zambia Office. ZAMSOF has also engaged and trained Lusaka City Councilors, Ward Development Committee members, Employees of Lusaka City technical working group and community facilitators in local area planning using the Human Rights Based approach through the community engagement and empowerment project which was funded by the GIZ. This led to five (5) wards in Lusaka city coming up with local area plans which were officially launched by His Worship the mayor of Lusaka. ZAMSOF also trained small-scale farmers in climate Justice, Agro-ecology and food sovereignty, and provided a platform through which small-scale farmers and duty bearers came together to discuss and interrogate agriculture, climate justice and agro-ecology policies. This resulted in realization of various gaps which need to be amended and strengthened in order for these policies to reflect the needs of the poor. The project was funded by ACTIONAID-SIDA grant. The forum gets much of its moral, technical and financial support from among several local and international networks, Collaborative partnerships including individual members for the continuation of its operation...
