Gender Division - GD

*ZAMBIA PUSHES LEGISLATIVE REFORMS AS WOMEN'S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION LAGS BELOW 30%*

Government has placed women’s political participation at the center of its reform agenda, with President Hakainde Hichilema announcing a push to dismantle long-standing barriers through legislative and policy changes.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Justice Minister, Hon. Princess Kasune MP, at the opening of the three day Conference on Accelerating Women’s Political Participation and Leadership in Lusaka, said urgent action is needed to close the gap between population and representation.

"Despite making up 51 percent of Zambians, women hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions." President Hichilema noted.

Additionally, The Head of State further reaffirmed Government's commitment to promoting women's participation in politics and leadership. Adding that Zambia has undertaken series of reforms aimed at dismantling these barriers that have historically affected women’s political participation.

The conference, convened by the Gender Division, Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ, UNDP, NGOCC, the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue, and other cooperating partners, drew calls for both structural reform and cultural change.

Meanwhile, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, echoed the concern, noting that women’s numerical majority has not translated into political solidarity at the polls or in party structures.

Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to back women pursuing leadership, while UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali said the 2026 general elections will be a litmus test of Zambia’s commitment to gender equality.

NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe warned that Zambia cannot reach its full democratic potential while women remain sidelined from decision-making spaces.

With reforms on the table and the 2026 elections approaching, the conference signaled a shift from dialogue to accountability. Stakeholders agreed that increasing women’s representation will require laws, enforcement, and a change in how political spaces treat women candidates.
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*PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WARNS ABUSERS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.*

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned abusers of women and children of punishment, calling them cowards for targeting young girls.

The President assured the nation of Government's allegiance to promoting women's participation in governance, citing certain appointments he made.

He said this during the International Women's Day commemorations, with the theme; "Rights. Justice. Action for ALL Women and Girls."

Meanwhile, Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali, highlighted Zambia's progress in dismantling discriminatory laws, citing the Victim Support Unit and expanded health resources.

And NGOCC Chairperson, Beauty Katebe stressed that to sideline women is to force democracy to stand on one leg, calling for enhanced inclusivity in leadership positions.

Scores of participants turned up to celebrate this important day. The event featured a massive march past from the University of Zambia to the Showgrounds, comprising various stakeholders, including women, men, and youths.

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