Tomaida Phiri (born 11th December, 1969) is a Physical Education and Sport lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University since December 2011.

She is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and actively seeks to connect with writers who focus on women’s stories.

Tomaida was born in Kasamba, Masaiti District (Ndola rural at the time) and currently resides in Kabwe. She hails from a family of 10, being the 3rd and eldest among the ladies, a proud mother of four and grandmother of one.

Her education journey began at Kasamba Primary School at age six, continuing to Chadiza Boarding School (completed in 1987). She excelled in sports, particularly cross-country, short races, and netball — which she pursued up to university level.

Tomaida holds multiple academic qualifications including:

• Primary School Certificate – Chipata Teachers College (1990)
• Junior Primary Diploma – University of Port Elizabeth (1998)
• Diploma in Secondary School Teaching – UNZA (2001)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Primary School Teaching – UNZA (2007)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education & Health – University of Toronto (2009)
• MSc in Olympic Studies, Olympic Education, and Management of Olympic Events (2016)

She writes non-fiction stories about women excelling in male-dominated careers, Physical Education and Sport textbooks, and marriage in Zambia. Her works include Women in Sport: Their Stories Told (2020) published by SOTRANE Publishers.

Tomaida’s writing is driven by the need to address gender imbalance, promote gender equity, and inspire the next generation. She engages her audience through simplified writing, visuals, public engagements, and book exhibitions.

Ongoing projects include:

• Hellicy Ng'ambi: A Rare Leader
• Celebrating Them While Young: Lubbuto, Woman Fide Master Elect
• Commercialisation of Marriage Rites in Zambia: Ichilanga Mulilo?
• Werenga Mwana wa Zambia Project

Beyond writing, she enjoys teaching, preaching, cooking, and sports.