WOMEN IN ’S ELECTION: FIGHTING FOR PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION AGNES LESLIE

I spent the summer as a Fulbright election reflected low numbers of women. advantage. The women who did succeed scholar in Zambia observing the Since Zambia does not have a quota were well educated beyond high school campaign and general elections, system as other countries the number of and were adopted by the main parties, which took place on August 11. women in parliament has remained low. which provided money to their candidates. The presidential contest was between the The encouraging news is that the vice- Candidates belonging to smaller political two major parties: (PF) president, , a woman, has parties or independents faced major led by incumbent, and the been retained. Also, there was a woman financial and promotional changes. As a for National Development running for president, Edith Nawakwi. result most of the women elected belonged (UPND) headed by Hakainde Ichilema. She heads the fourth party and this was to the ruling party, PF. Most of the There was much excitement in the country her second time standing as a presidential women’s platforms seemed to be similar, manifested by campaign songs, slogans, candidate. Unfortunately the number of promising to provide development, skills colorful political party promotion materials women in the Zambian parliament did not for women and employment for the youths. including clothing, t-shirts, scarves, increase following the election. 106 women However, when they were adopted by their umbrellas and even cars bearing the contested the parliamentary elections and political party their platforms were merged portraits and names of candidates. T-shirts 26 won seats, representing a 0.7 percent with the party’s general platform. and colorful clothing materials were handed increase. Overall, women make up 17 Some factors leading to the out freely to supporters. The streets bore percent of the parliamentarians or 26 out success of the candidates include political huge billboard advertisements and pictures of 156. This is a low figure considering that party adoption, status of the party, of candidates. Television commercials African countries have been campaigning experience of the candidates – incumbents churned out political songs, some of which for 50-50 gender representation and some fared better - financial resources, candidate’s quickly became household songs! Indeed have at least 30 percent. educational level, and the ability to utilize campaign spending reached unbelievable In the absence of a quota system, the media, including social media. Female amounts in a modest economy. It was an women’s numbers remain static. The candidates were assisted and coached by the interesting time to be in the country. factors contributing to the low number Women’s Lobby Group. The focus of my research was of women elected to parliament in I also led a workshop for women on women and their race to become Zambia include the high cost of running a in politics. Among the women I interviewed members of parliament. This was my campaign, negative attitudes against women, was Ms. Annie Chinyanta (pictured in second year studying the role of women in low education levels, electoral violence electoral gear). The group picture shows parliament and the challenges they face in and poor media coverage. Also, women women who participated in the election being elected. This summer, I interviewed did not take advantage of the media the in various capacities, and belonging to female parliamentary candidates in Lusaka way men did, although the more educated different political parties. district. The general outcome of the women effectively used social media to their Agnes Ngoma Leslie is a senior lecturer and outreach director at CAS. Her research was funded by a Fulbright Award.

CENTER FOR AFRICAN STUDIES Research Report 2016–2017 13