The Gender Integration Project is an intervention that is building up from the Gender Integration Project that was implemented in 4 project sites namely Mzenje, Mawanda, Petauke Boma and Msoro communities of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia for a period of 5 years (June 2017 to July 2022). The project used the community and church-based approach.  In this new project design, the Gender Integration Project will use the Parish-based approach and integration approach. These approaches will enhance greater church involvement and integration of gender aspects into church and community structures. This is ZACOP’s deliberate move to build a sustainable gender sensitive and all-inclusive community.  The project is aimed at enhancing the integration of gender equality and economic empowerment among vulnerable groups within the church and community structures by 2027.

​

ZACOP in partnership with the Anglican Board of Mission proposes to implement the Gender Equality and Integration project aimed at strengthening and increasing the capacity of local communities to move towards sustainability, and access to quality gender information and services by reducing the social, cultural, religious and structural barriers that hinder women and children from accessing their rights and enhance economic independence. The selected sites for this project include Kaoma Makasa and Bunda Chunsu in Mwenda Parish in Chipili District of the Anglican Diocese of Luapula and Kalwani Community in Katete Parish in Sinda District of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia. Culturally, the local people are more inclined to their traditional practices and beliefs that influence their mindset. The women's social life for example revolves around defined cultures' gender norms.  Where women's division centres largely on household chores and subsistence farming.  Further, when a girl reaches puberty she undergoes initiation and is taught how to be a good wife. The majority of tribes in Eastern Zambia are male-dominated thus they hold primary power in most social structures and have control of the property.