GENDER Minister Elizabeth Phiri has expressed concern over the skewed women representation in Parliament.
Speaking during a Zambia Gender and Elections Strategy Meeting Consolidated Programme at Government Complex on 16thNovember, 2020, the Minister said Government was committed to achieving gender equality and women empowerment in Zambia as evidenced in the enactment of the gender equity and equality Act of 2015 and the Anti GBV. Act of 2011 stating that in addition to pieces of legislation, the Government has developed policy measures such as the 7th National Development Plan and Vision 2030 to boost women participation in politics.
The minister revealed that despite Government’s efforts to enhance human rights among women in terms of political participation, women’s representation in politics and decision-making positions is still incredibly low.
“In parliament the women representation is 17 % while in Local Government it is at 9%. this is of great concern to the Government as it pursues a development agenda of living no one behind”, she said.
She explained that women shan from taking party in the electoral processes for fear of insults and violence that have characterized elections in the recent past, further assuring them “the government will ensure that you are protected. i therefore wish to challenge every woman out there, to think about standing as members of parliament or as councilors.”.
The Minister added that to attain 50/50 representation, it was incumbent upon political parties and civil society organisations to introduce an incubation and mentorship programme in the form of “Raise a Politician” (RAP), or “Mentor a Politician” (MAP) anchored on “the values of the national constitution, right from the primary school level so that upcoming politicians will grow up with, and practice, the right value system”.