ISSUE 1, 2020 BULLETIN A PUBLICATION OF THE CENTRE FOR INTERPARTY DIALOGUE (ZCID) VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MORE REASON WHY MORE WOMEN SHOULD JOIN TO END IT AS A UNITED FORCE – SABOI IMBOELA (NDC)

WOMEN ARE GENERALLY BETTER LEADERS THAN MOST MEN – WINNIE ZALOUMIS (MMD)

WE’VE POWER TO SAY “YES” OR “NO” AND MEN WON’T LEAD FEATURES TAKE ADVANTAGE – CHILANDO NEVER GIVE UP! CHITANGALA (PF) CLAIM YOUR WHAT A MAN CAN SPACE! MEN WON’T DO, A WOMAN CAN ALSO DO – HANDOVER POWER BEAUTY MWENYA WITHOUT A FIGHT KABWE (UNIP) EDITORIAL TEAM CONTENTS

PROJECT 2 Women, Let’s Stand Women And Defend Ourselves! – Ruth Chanda COMMISSIONER Mutemba (FDD) Jackson Silavwe 3 Leaders Send Youths To Cause PUBLISHER Violence Against Women In Politics – Doreen Njovu-Kabwe Ruth Kawana (PF)

4 Violence Against Women More Reason ASSISTANT Why More Women Should Join To End PUBLISHER It As A United Force – Saboi Imboela Sophie Kaoma (NDC)

EDITOR 6 Joined Politics To Serve Women And Girls In Rural Areas – Given Lesa Journalist Arthur Davies Sikopo (FDD)

WRITERS/ 8 We Need Tough Laws To Punish The CONTRIBUTORS Violent – Majory Mukuwa Mutakwa Lucy Promise Phiri (DP) Kanchele Kanchele 9 What A Man Can Do, A Woman Can Philemon Muyunga Also Do – Beauty Mwenya Kabwe Francis Chipalo (UNIP)

PHOTOS 10 Driven By Passion For Women And Philemon Muyunga Better Community Health – Fosta Chileshe (NDC) Journalist Arthur Davies Sikopo 12 Women Are Generally Better Leaders LAYOUT & DESIGN Than Most Men – Winnie Zaloumis Alfred Mumba (MMD)

EDITION MANAGED BY 13 We’ve Power To Say “Yes” Or “No” And Men Won’t Take Advantage – Chilando Chitangala (PF)

14 Never Give Up! Claim Your Space! Men Won’t Handover Power Without A Fight – Elizabeth Chitika Mulobeka (MMD) © ZCID PROFILES All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, duplicating or otherwise without prior permission in writing of 16 Parties Need Policies To Encourage the publishers. Women Join Politics – Bupe Mulenga While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained (PF) in this publication is accurate, current and reliable, the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or incorrect information it may contain, or for any loss or consequential loss arising as a result of decisions taken based on the content material in the publication. 19 Women Should Aspire To Be Decision Makers In Politics, Not Just Followers – ZCID Profiles will issue corrections and clarifications if genuine errors have occurred. Mercy Kaoma Moyo (MMD) FOREWORD

changes affecting some of the vulnerable groups such as women are gradual. Such changes and practices will necessitate policy review, political party behavioural change, and internal policy reforms with reference being made to the scenarios prevailing in the entire developmental and political landscape of the country. It is therefore essential that the policy frameworks including media reporting in Zambia’s development and political sectors become sensitive to the ever-rising challenges not only in these critical sectors but in the entire decision making platforms and the way it impacts on women. In its efforts to deepen, defend and promote multi- party democratic governance, gender equity, respect for constitutionalism, rule of law and human rights by operating as Zambia’s foremost umbrella institution of political parties, the Zambia Centre for Interparty (ZCID) has since initiated this Issue No.1 of a news bulletin to profile the prospects and challenges of women in leadership in Zambia. This bulletin it is possible will help to communicate and showcase the profiles of various women belonging to different political parties and assist readers and the general public to appreciate some of the lessons, experiences, and aspirations of these female leaders. The Newsletter as a first issue has since outlined important aspects as part of its content, which women leaders felt affected their participation and aspirations in the country’s political landscape.

omen play an invaluable role in social and economic For instance, some of the issues covered include women, development as they are critical stakeholders and asking to stand and defend ourselves, concerns that leaders partnersW in development, and the growth of democracy send youths to cause violence against women in politics, globally. Various reports on Zambia’s developmental and the need for tough laws to punish the violent, and parties political processes disclose challenges faced by the country, being urged to put in place policies to encourage women which include discrimination and inadequate participation join politics. Overall, this content has been put together of various interest groups including women due to many with a view to promoting the plight and rights of women factors. According to the World Bank (2017), at 18 percent, to join politics as well as expose important entry points Zambia has the lowest proportion of seats held by women to encourage gender equality, inclusive, fair and peaceful in Parliament in subsaharan Africa and these low levels of electoral and decision making processes in Zambia. female political representation are considered to undermine ZCID remains optimistic that the many issues that generally the quality of the country’s democracy. hinder and may encourage females to join politics have This situation is against the spirit of the Universal not only been laid out in an informative manner. The Declaration of Human Rights (1946) which recognizes that organization hopes that the Bulletin has used an approach everyone has the right to take part in the government that may prompt dialogue, increased respect for women’s of his or her country, directly or through freely chosen rights to govern, and draws out lessons that demonstrate representation and which by implication entails that equal best practices and the requisite peaceful interactions participation of women and men in politics remain central to expected of all stakeholders in democratic governance and more inclusive and democratic governance and is the first sustainable development. The Bulletin should serve as one step towards gender sensitive policy reforms. It is becoming of the starting points in understanding barriers to gender clear that essence of mainstreaming gender and peaceful equality and realizing strategic frameworks to remove them participation of all citizens will remain valid even though with a view to prompt a balanced and inclusive decision the social, political, environmental and economic situation making culture in Zambia.

Jackson Silavwe Chairperson Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue

ZCID BULLETIN ISSUE 1, 2020 1 Women, Let’s Stand And Defend Ourselves! – Ruth Chanda Mutemba (FDD) By KANCHELE KANCHELE Nevers and Dr. Cosmo) who are Presidents of political parties, are her uncles. The ever-evolving human desire drives the development With that background, people would have expected Ms of men and women alike. In a quick survey using the Mutemba to have spent a considerable amount of time, to modern tools of the internet reveals that over the past understand politics, but the opposite is the case because 60 years, the world has witnessed a conspicuous change she has only been in politics since 2014 and among the in women’s desire. The survey actually reveals that reasons she joined the political arena is her passion for women wish to be less and less involved in household helping people. management and child care, and are increasingly expanding their involvement in other areas of society “I have a passion for helping people so I thought politics particularly in the political life of their respective is a good platform for helping people. My President Edith countries. Nawakwi inspires. She is someone I look up to in politics because of the things she has been able to achieve in a In Zambia, many women movements such Women male dominated field. She has a passion for people and for Change, Zambia National Women’s Lobby and the she is different from these other Leaders.” Non-Governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council among others have been lobbying for We quickly got to the gist of our sitting with her and deliberate legislature that would help increase women below is her story. representation in decision making positions and ensure that the playing field is conducive for the participation “...We are vulnerable as women in politics. Most of women in elective positions such as Councillors and the offices are run by men to start with, so even just Members of Parliament. participating at a political party level you find that men pull the strings. Sometimes these men go as far as asking Recently, the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue for sexual favours which end up compromising us women. (ZCID) engaged women in politics from different political parties with a specific interest of understanding their As a woman, one of the challenges I have faced is that biggest challenges and how stakeholders can help in people turn to think that I can’t deliver based on my alleviating the same challenges. gender. The male folk are not too supportive and you will find that when you want to do more, people will be there Among those we spoke to is Forum for Democracy pulling you down just because you are a woman. They and Development (FDD)’s Ruth Chanda Mutemba. Ms. would rather choose men to perform certain duties, which Mutemba is among the few women brave enough to even us women are capable of doing. battle it out with the male folks in the political arena and she took us through some of the challenges as we got We face a lot of violence. This field being dominated by know the life of a female politician in Zambia. men they always feel challenged when they see a woman standing up tall to undertake certain duties. They feel that Born in 1978, Ms Mutemba tells us that she knew politics we are weaker vessels, so their first instinct is to show at a tender age as her grandfather Mr Andrew Bwalya us that those political territories are theirs. They will not Mutemba saved in the United National Independence tell you but they will show you that you are not welcome Party (UNIP) government as Minister for Southern around in the political field. This is something which we Province in 1971. And that the Mumba brothers (Dr. should stand up to as women and defend ourselves.” The calm and soft-spoken Ms. Mutemba relates. Violence is mainly perpetrated by the party in power and their direct rivals. For the governing party, I think their members feel they need to defend their stay in power hence resorting to violence in certain instances. And as women we are more at risk and vulnerable to cases of violence because we have not been welcomed in this field in the first place. The other concern is us as women; I don’t know why we find it too difficult to support each other. You will find that women will opt to support a man as opposed to a fellow woman. My appeal to women is that we need to look at the capacity to deliver and not the gender part because ‘what a man can do, a woman can do’ too, sometimes even better than a man. We also need to sensitize each other as women. There is need to have these conversations with each other as women to ensure that we educate each on the importance of supporting ourselves. There is need for a mindset change among women.” She ends with a passionate call to her fellow women.

2 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 Leaders Send Youths To Cause Violence Against Women In Politics – Ruth Kawana (PF)

By Lucy Promise Phiri that she can represent women and also tackle relevant issues he is a mother, a business that affects women. woman and a politician. RuthS Kawana was born in 1966, A look at her other life, she is a on May 21 at the University mother and a wife who believes Teaching Hospital. She did her that despite getting involved in primary school at Chingola and politics one needs to worship later went to Kabwe Progressive God and give him thanks for private school where she what He has done. completed her grade twelve. She defines herself as a very She joined politics in 2002, humble and hardworking person fellow women, and my worst by then she was under the who loves women and can do moment was when I was a Movement for Multi-Party anything just to help a woman campaign manager and went Democracy (MMD) and out there attain their desired to Mtendere compound for was appointed as goals in life. campaigns where a certain Constituency Chairlady. opposition party started The former Diplomat, believes throwing stones on us, it wasn’t Ms. Kawana who is currently violence in politics mostly is a good site,” she said. serving as provincial women ignited by the youths because secretary in charge of women leaders are the ones who send Ms. Kawana likes going to in Lusaka province under the them to fight. church at her free time and Party had dreams spending time with family. of becoming a politician way Kawama now shares her back when she was just a kid. experience in her political Her great inspiration is the career – both worst and best Republican President of Zambia She has always wanted to be a moments. “My best moments Edgar Chagwa Lungu who Member of Parliament (MP) so are when am addressing my she termed as a humble, hardworking and loving father.

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 3 Violence Against Women More Reason Why More Women Should Join To End It As A United Force – Saboi Imboela (NDC)

By Kanchele Kanchele Anyone who has followed the Zambian music evolution to today’s most happening genres, which has become to be known by tags like Zed RB, Zed HipHop… will tell you that you cannot mention this music progression without mentioning a certain female duo who took the music industry by storm and established themselves as a household name. Yes, the name Saboi! Saboi is synonymous with the name “Shatel” and comes up as half of the musical duo. The two have however taken different routes as one is quietly living her life away from the lime light well the other half, Saboi Imboela, has chosen a different spot light as she has joined mainstream politics. Ms Imboela was born in 1977 to Edwin Imboela. The late Edwin Imboela was a dedicated Police Chief and Lawyer who by virtual of his achievements got to have a Police football stadium named after him. She too, had intended to take after her father’s professions. She tells us that she started school at Woodlands A Primary school and was accepted at Arakan Secondary where she did her secondary. Ms. Imboela has a decorated educational background includes on her decision to join politics. Journalism, and a Diploma in Computer Science which she acquired before she In Picture; “My boss, the governance advisor at UNDP, Mr. Michael went to (UNZA) Saboi Soko, would always joke with me that I was in the wrong where she pursued Political Science and Imboela field whenever we had discussions because I would talk Development Studies. After graduating as with her like a politician. He really encouraged me to join politics one of the best student in that program, children one day,” she says. UNZA offered her a job as a tutor. But it was when she worked with “Save The Children” It was during her formative years at as Advocacy and Communications Coordinator that she UNZA as a student that she worked as decided that she needed to be decisive and join politics. an intern at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During her time “I toured the country with Save The Children and I saw at UNDP that her she started getting what women and children where going through. I made interested in politics. the decision to join politics because I want do more and help the country move forward and I think can contribute She speaks of her interaction with female more at policy level and politics is a ‘vehicle’ which will Members of Parliament under the Women help me do that,” she said. Parliamentary Caucus and working closely with the had an effect So passionate about women and youth in the country, Ms

4 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 regards to policy change. SO PASSIONATE ABOUT WOMEN AND YOUTH Among the women in politics, Ms Imboela IN THE COUNTRY, MS IMBOELA IN 2015 SHE points the Republican Vice President Inonge ENROLLED FOR A PHD PROGRAMME AT UNZA Wina as one inspiration due to the way she, TO STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE AND HER Mrs. Wina, has carried herself. She tabs Mrs. Wina as a good role model for women in the MAIN FOCUS IS. country adds that she is also inspired by the many women who have been in politics when the field has been seen as not so conducive for them as women. She agrees with thoughts that most women stay away from politics because of violence. She says the biggest challenge for women in politics is violence which she said is worse for women as it comes in many forms. “We face different kinds of violence and as a woman joining politics you have to develop that thick skin. Its worse for us because we face physical, emotional and verbal violence. Unfortunately, if you are a woman you have to be prepared for these things. The verbal abuse is worse with women because women in politics are viewed in a certain way. It is actually the more reason why more women should join politics so that we face this monster as a united force,” with a passion she voices. She bemoaned the culture that is slowly creeping into the country’s politics were cadres have been allowed to use guns uncountably. Asked how political violence can be ended, Ms. Imboela replied with a simple “it’s easy! Late the President Levy Mwanawasa denounced political violence and his statement was followed with actions. It takes political will from the President and if President (Edgar) Lungu wants to end political violence he can do it because we have seen Imboela in 2015 she enrolled for a PhD Programme at a President end it. President Mwanawasa UNZA to study Political Science and her main focus is. made a statement and we never experienced Having being initially under the United Party for political violence. What we are seeing now is National Development (UPND) when she first joined that when law enforcers do their work, they mainstream Politics Ms. Imboela left ‘the Reds’, UPND, are dismissed so how do you end political for the National Democratic Congress and was made violence?” she questioned. Chairperson of Gender which she doubles with her On family and friends Ms. Imboela says she Spokesperson duties. always creates time for her loved ones. She On female participation in politics, Ms. Imboela calls says with the help of her house manager she on more women to join politics. Being an advocate of is able to divide her time so that there is no women and children, she urges more women to join interference between her two lives. politics so that the country can achieve a certain level A mother of three, two boys and one girl, of democratization adding that with more women in she says her children are big enough with politics even the development agenda of the country the oldest, a daughter, at University while the will move forward. She encourages women to stop second and last, both boys, are in Grade 9. As being nervous because they have a critical role to a mother, she enjoys outings and movies with play and sometimes even more than what some of her children during her family time. the men who are in politics would offer especially with

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 5 Joined Politics To Serve Women And Girls In Rural Areas – Gwen Lesa (FDD)

By Kanchele Kanchele her father worked. Having been brought up in Lusaka till the time she was in grade 6, she was to live in the ccording to the World Bank (2017), remote district of Shiwangandu. She was sent to the Aat 18 percent, Zambia has the lowest village after the death of her mother where she went to proportion of seats held by women in stay with some close relatives. national Parliament in Sub Saharan Africa. With the regional average “I attended several schools. I started my Grade 1 in which is projected at just below 25 Lusaka at Chelstone primary school where I went up to percent, low levels of female political Grade 6 then my mother died and I was taken to the representation in Zambia are considered village in Shiwangandu, Muchinga Province. I wrote my to undermine the quality of the country’s grade 7 exams and good enough I made it to Grade 8 democracy. and went to Kasama girls (Secondary School) where I did my great 8 and 9. Further, I went to Chinsali girls where I Key barriers to women’s political did my senior secondary until I completed,” She narrates. participation include the structure of the current legal framework, a political Whilst at school, she was a bright student who enjoyed culture embedded with patriarchal mingling with fellow students. She joined school clubs as values and norms that are unsupportive well as played sports. to female candidates, add to that a lack of personal wealth or access to “I participated in a number of clubs at school but the one resources to fund campaigns as well that stands for me is the drama club. Being in the school as political violence which is rife during Drama Club is one of the best things that happened campaigns. to me. I visited a lot of places in the country. The first town we visited as a club was Livingstone. It was quiet Gwen Lesa is however one of the few a achievement for a person who stayed in a village for women willing to battle it out with the sometimes visiting a tourist town. It was plus for me,” male folk in the political arena. she explains with a smile on her face. Ms. Lesa is the second born in a family She did Computer Programming and Secretarial studies of 7 and was born in Mumbwa where to Evelyn Hone College.

6 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 Fairly light in complexion, in a soft-spoken voice, she really a sad feeling. And it was done explains that one of the reasons she chose to join at a time when we were doing very politics was to help people in remote areas of the well in the campaign better than other country after she experienced life in rural Zambia. camps. But it was meant to cause fear and intimidate our team which they In 2011, after the Patriotic Front won the general achieved. election Ms. Lesa was doing her business studies and attached to National Assembly motel. Seeing newly There are times that you would elected Members of Parliament on a daily basis at her hear that men are holding meetings then work place, she gets encouraged and develops somewhere and no one would even more interest in politics. follow them,” she laments. She now plans to join politics as soon as she completes Ms. Lesa who was FDD Parliamentary her business studies as that presented an avenue candidate hopes that organisations for her dream of helping out people in remote areas such as Zambia Centre for Interparty such as the village where she was brought up from, Democracy and others can help change Shiwangandu. the status quo by pushing for stiffer punishment for perpetrators of political After an exhaustive thought of her dreams, she made violence against women in politics so a decision to join a political party led by a woman, the that playing field is level. Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), which viewed as an ideal political party. She says once the playing field is leveled, it will further make womens’ “I joined politics in 2014. I joined FDD after looking participation in politics safer and at the options which were there and I think FDD attractive. was a perfect fit for a female politician who was just joining politics. With a female at the helm, it was an With what is known about the easy decision for me to make and after I made my challenges faced by women in politics, consultations, I found it to be more favourable to just how did she convince her family women politicians,” she put down her past. that she would be safe in such a field? Apart from being a full-time employee of the party she “The first time you decide that you also holds a position as the National for Gender and want to do something and your family Women Affairs in the FDD party. don’t agree with you then you have a problem. For me, it has not been a In her spare time, Ms. Lesa not only provides catering problem because the very first time that services for functions such as weddings and corporate I said I want to join politics, my family events, she is also dedicated to poultry. and friends were so much in support, so Eventually, our conversation led us to the challenges it hasn’t been an issue with my family. faced by women in politics which starts from I would come for work, I would go out stereotyping, to being called names, leading to most for campaigns maybe for two weeks and women shunning the field as it is considered too dirty they won’t be any problem because they for women. know this is what I want to do and they support me,” she said. “To tell you the truth, there are a lot of challenges that we go through as women. One of them is violence. I Ms. Lesa hopes to one day make her think it’s one of the things that is really bringing women family proud by becoming an MP in down. A lot of women are failing to get into politics Shiwangandu where she was brought because they fear the violence that is there. The insults, up from. She says as girl growing up the name calling and generally the abuse which is in a remote village life taught her so there,” she bluntly puts it. much and she wants like to repay her community by taking social services She says many women shun joining politics because of closer to them and ensure that the the violence and associated negative vices which women girl child gets the opportunity to go to go through – “We are not as strong as men which school just like her. brands us vulnerable and that makes it very difficult for us”. Lesa’s last words to her fellow women are that “women should live the kitchens Having constested in the 2016 elections as a and their comfort zones and help bring Parliamentary Candidate, she realizes that political sanity to the country’s political field as competition is one of the major causes of violence well as increase their participation in against women and that the male counterparts always politics because men will not hand over thought women just belong to the kitchen. these political positions on a silver plate “I can recall there is a time I was having a public and if we don’t fight for our space, no meeting somewhere in remote area. Imagine I am one will fight for us”. conducting a meeting and these policemen come armed to the podium just to disperse harmless people. It was

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 7 We Need Tough Laws To Punish The Violent – Majory Mukuwa Mutakwa (DP)

By KANCHELE KANCHELE Asked how the country can end the scourge, without hesitation, Ms. Mutakwa tells as that it only takes “political omen in politics should avoid getting involved in sexual will from all stakeholders”. She is of the view that the Wrelationships with their Leaders as it shades dark their country’s laws should be more stringent to ensure that achievement and fuels the misconception that women in offenders are adequately punished. She wants laws that can politics are promiscuous says National Women Chairperson protect victims and effectively punish would be offenders. for Democratic Party, Marjory Mukuwa Mutakwa. She believes that there has not been political will from those Born in Kabwe, on 20th October 1963, a year apart with the in power to punish offenders because they are beneficiaries country’s Independence, Ms. Mutakwa explains to us that of the scourge. she feels the need to contribute to country’s developmental Biggest Challenge? “Most women lack the financial muscle agenda is a birth-Right for all citizens as people should strive to compete with men during campaigns, without a level to live the country better than they found it. playing field women will always find it hard to compete with “I joined politics because I feel it is the most effective the male counterparts,” she says. vehicle one can use to contribute to the developmental “Women should find modalities of funding for their agenda of any country” Ms Mutakwa tells us as we sat to campaigns which would help them increase representation chat about women in politics. in decision making positions. Political parties should have Arguably, it is believed that women who have made it in deliberate measures which will help increase women politics have used their bodies to gain favours from their numbers in politics. male counterparts, who are often times the decision makers A former National Restoration Party (NAREP) Women’s in organizations, explains Ms Mutakwa. Chairperson, Ms. Mutakwa is also a mother of three, She tells us that such misconceptions were fuelled by few two boys and a girl but today she is not with them women who unfortunately thought the only thing they can as they are all independent and only stays with her offer was their body. She says she is a victim of such women three grandchildren. She believes that once you as she was once disqualified in an election because the make your family understand what you want, they person she was challenging was having an affair with the would support you. She tells us that she has had ward Chairperson. to learn how to balance her life so that her political life does not interfere with personal and family life. “My waste moment in politics was in the MMD regime. We had elections at constituency level. All the three wards Her parting words “The biggest challenge in which are in Kanyama Constituency wanted me to contest women has been the lack of support for each as Women Secretary, but the ward chairman was said to other. But we are slowly realizing that we can have had an affair with the Secretary at the time. I believe actually do better as a country if we support each the two connived and disqualified me from contesting the other. We are now getting to pull each elections. They claimed that I did not qualify because I had other close, as opposed to pulling not renewed my membership with the party which was in each other down. We continue fact total lies as I had renewed.” These are the words that to sensitize each other on the comes out without hesitation when you ask Democratic importance of women working Party National Women Chairperson,” she said. together. We now know that when you empower She was however quick to mention that such occurrences a woman you empower should not define women in politics as many women who the whole community are in this field are genuine, credible and family people and because women will their hard work, contribution and reputation should not be not only take care demeaned due to a few misguided individuals. of their family but also extend to the And here is Ms. Mutakwa’s take on political violence; “We community.” agreed as country to have democracy but unfortunately we have people who do not seem to understand that democracy She is also entails that ‘we agree to disagree’, hence the political grateful to the violence that we continue to see. Zambia Centre for Inter Party And this political violence has an effect on us women Democracy because we are not as physically strong as our male for empowering counterparts. However, we have trained ourselves as women women politicians with in politics to fight for our rightful place in the political knowledge and skills to dispensation of our country.” straighten their participation She says the country needs to find ways of ending political in politics. She says such violence so that the field can attract more women in politics. support will go a long way If we have more women in politics and decision-making in increasing the number of positions, we are likely to make huge strides towards our women in decision making developmental agenda.” positions in the country.

8 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 What A Man Can Do, A Woman Can Do – Beauty Mwenya Kabwe (UNIP) By LUCY PROMISE PHIRI eauty Mwenya Kabwe, is vibrant youth, a mother of two, a student and a politician who believes in womenB taking a lead in politics. She was born on April 21, 1990 and currently she is an acting National Woman Secretary for United National Independent Party. She did her primary school at Mambilima basic school and went to Matero girls for her secondary education. Despite being a shy girl and rarely participated in most activities, Kabwe had a dream of changing and representing her constituency through politics. Kabwe joined politics in 2017, and what prompted her to join was lack of women participating in decision making especially in Matero where she is coming from. “It is rare to see a woman involved in politics in my area, a woman who can speak for us or have a voice in Parliament so as to table out pressing issues of the community. It was after a little exposure I realized that it is important for women to be vibrant and get involved in decision making,” she said. Born and bred in Lusaka, Kabwe’s inspiration to join politics has always been Former Finance Minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe. “It is the way she carries herself that made me have a zeal in politics, she is a very hard-working woman whom I admire every time,” she said. Well, Ms. Kabwe is a career focused, and is currently doing her studies at Lusaka Vocational training centre Despite being a member of Zambia National Womens doing automotive electrical engineering because she Lobby and also an acting National Women Secretary for believes in “what a man can do; a woman can United National Independent Party (UNIP), Ms. Kabwe also do” and always wants to challenge men. says the biggest challenge in politics is discouragement from people. Talking of violence against women in politics, Ms. Kabwe says it is a sad reality “Women face a lot of things in politics and mostly is that today mostly people are involved in violence, greediness is the main cause because people political violence especially the youth. want to hold on to power which never sits well with others. Although I have never experienced violence but “Youths nowadays are the ones inciting I have seen it happen. This violence can make you quit violence, doing unproductive activities politics because dangerous objects are being used,” she which is not helping them,” she says. said. “Women mostly are vulnerable when Despite all the challenges, Ms. Kabwe has dreams of it comes to politics, because they are becoming a Member of Parliament to represent her area, calm and collected in nature, thus “and I also wouldn’t mind being Zambia’s first female a lot of them back out. I remember President”. The young politician whose hobbies are one time in Sesheke during the recent listening to music, cooking and visiting new places adds by- elections, a ward councillor was that the most exciting moment for her is reaching where attacked leaving her legs badly injured, she is currently, leading a women’s group of a huge “ she recollects. organization. But more to her political life, Kabwe is “I just hope women will be free in politics and not be a married woman with two children. She intimidated and also be able to make 50/50 decision confesses that it is a challenge to balance with men. If I am to lead the nation, I am going to family, work and politics, “it’s only by God’s enforce stiff punishment to perpetrators who usually take grace I am managing”. advantage of women,” she affirms. Despite her busy schedules, she always spares All in all, she says violence against women is a bad act time to be with the family and also do some and any perpetrators inciting it should be brought to other things when on holidays. book!

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 9 Driven By Passion For Women And Better Community Health – Fosta Chileshe (NDC)

By JOURNALIST ARTHUR DAVIES SIKOPO and KANCHELE KANCHELE The story goes that before Matero was built in the 1952s, the now famous township was but a village considered by many urban dwellers that it marked the tail end of Lusaka town. The impression given to the geographical location of the area resulted in the place being referred to as “kumathelo”, a Nyanja word which means the end part of an area. Others considered the area to be on a slope, which they referred to as “kumatelo”, a Bemba word meaning a slope. But today the township is so popular that people will tell you that “if you visit Lusaka and you do not visit Matero, then you have not been to Lusaka.” Matero has over the years given birth to other adjoining residential areas like Matero East and Emmasdale Site and Service, well known for its Devil Street, with all the temptations it holds. The township also has one new additional residential area, Matero North, which stretches from the Humanism Hill down to Chingwere Cemetery. This township is so famous that it has a constituency named after it and is considered by many to be a “City within a City”. With all the happenings in this “City” you would expect social amenities such as clinics to be everywhere but that is not the case. Fosta Chileshe was born and bread in Matero and hopes to bring the change the constituency desperately needs in terms of social amenities. She is so passionate about bringing social services to the doorsteps of her community that she quit her job as a Nurse, to open and run her own clinic – Fosta Chilishe Memorial Clinic. The Fosta Chilishe Memorial Private Clinic was opened to help bring medical services closer to the people especially pregnant women who needed maternity services. She tells us that it is unfortunate that after running her clinic for a few years Ms. Chilishe thought she can do more as regards changing her childhood town and constituency. After making a few consultations she was encouraged to join politics so that her contribution could be at policy level. In 2014 Ms. Chilishe joined mainstream politics as she became a United Party for National Development (UPND) member. She says joining politics was not on her mind but was encouraged to do so by her late brother who was an active member of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) after seeing her passion for helping the community. “I have been a keen follower of politics since 1991. I was

10 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 a young lady when the MMD kicked out UNIP from office and I liked the way the late President Fredrick Chiluba was able galvanize everyone and bring them on board for a common goal. I actually never thought I would be a politician until my brother encouraged me. I officially joined politics in 2014 but before that I had already resigned and was running my own clinic which had opened after seeing the distance patients were covering to access medical services especially pregnant mothers. “I joined politics because I want to make a change in my community. I want to contribute to women in politics, add up to the voice of change in most issues happening to women and children instead of just sitting and complaining, I thought should be part of that change,” she recalls. In 2016, Ms. Chileshe’s attempt to stand as Member of Parliament in her constituency was to become a true induction to real politics. She faced violence, was subject to verbal abuse and a witness to vote buying even within her own political party. Due to her popularity Ms. Chileshe had thought being picked as a flag bearer for her party men as the form of violence they face range from Gender would be an easy ride but to her based, sexual harassment, verbal and emotional abuse, to rude shock even fellow women She says women the actual physical violence. She adds that the work load would easily be bought by her male in politics for women in politics is double that of the men because not colleagues. should be each only do they help do politics but they also run homes. Huge expenses and neglecting her other’s keeper On women supporting each she is of the view that women clinic as she concentrated on politics as opposed to are there own enemies because they hardly support each led to the clinic closing down, but the current other. She notes that FDD President, Edith Nawakwi, who she says she has learnt her lessons. trend were has been the only woman running a political party for She has also moved out UPND to women are the years, enjoys more support from the other gender than join the new political party, National first to slander fellow women. Democratic Congress, NDC, where their colleagues she thinks her chances of being whenever they She says women in politics should be each other’s keeper adopted and contesting in the next are in the wrong. as opposed to the current trend were women are the first election are high. to slander their colleagues whenever they are in the wrong. Ms Chileshe notes that women She suggests that the only way women will be respected face a lot obstacles in politics but in politics is when they stop washing their dirty linens in that the biggest of them all is the public and become mentors to young ladies who would high illiteracy levels among her want to contribute to the nation. peers in politics. She encourages women to get an education so Her solution to increasing women participation and making that their chances of assuming the political arena safe for women, is for the country to leadership roles are high, adding have stiffer punishment for offenders and that political that the Grade 12 clause put in the party leaders should take a firm stance against those found Constitution for one to be able to wanting so that the field is safer for anyone, especially Contest as MP, has disadvantaged women to participate freely. women more especially those in Ms. Chileshe hopes to be a Minister of Gender, Community rural areas, making it even more Development or indeed Minister of Health, all in line with difficult to compete with men. She her passions in life. also notes that women are more susceptible to political violence than To Ms. Chileshe, we say Salute!!!

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 11 Women Are Generally Better Leaders Than Most Men – Winnie Zaloumis (MMD)

By KANCHELE KANCHELE he increase in nomination fees for candidates and the requirement that candidates must holdT a full grade 12 educational certificate has added to the already existing obstacles for women in politics as most women who participate in politics lack financial muscle says MMD’s Winnie Zaloumis. Ms. Zaloumis is one of the women we sat with as ZCID for a chat on the challenges, especially violence, women in the country’s political arena face and what she thinks can be done to improve the current situation. We first started by talking about what drove her to join politics, a career considered by many as a field for men culturally due to the patriarchal beliefs entrenched in the country’s politics. Ms. Zaloumis tells us that she first joined politics in 1995 after being inspired by Professor Nkandu Luo who was her area Member of Parliament. And her joining politics was for her to increase the number of women in decision making positions which she says would improve the well being of citizens in the country. Born in Mapanza, Choma, Ms. Zaloumis did her primary school in Chingola, then went to Kabulonga Girls Secondary school in Lusaka, where she completed her Form 5, now Grade parties we need to demonstrate that women are 12. She worked for Zambia’s sole air flag carrier, equally important.” Zambia Airways, until her retirement in 1993. By She adds that women in rural areas are at an the time she was joining politics she had already automatic disadvantage due to lack of money and established a catering and decor company which educational opportunities and beliefs that a woman’s she runs to date. domain is domestic, not public. “I was already retired when I was joining politics Like many women we spoke to, Ms. Zaloumis is also so I had a lot of free time on my hands and of the view that political violence can be curbed if wanted to make a difference in my community so there is political will from leaders of political parties. politics provided me with an option to contribute especially that very few women join politics. I She tells us that the cadres who are used in violence was inspired by Hon Nkandu Luo to join politics do not undertake their violent activities on their own because she was our MP and as woman I thought but are sent by their leaders. we needed to be like her.” “Violence is some form of economic activity to On the challenges, Ms Zaloumis told us that some of these cadres therefore if there is no money patriarchal beliefs and the commercialisation of exchanging hands then you won’t see political politics have marginalised women from political violence in this country. It will only take political will leadership. from leaders to end this scourge. And when I say political will from leaders, I mean everyone starting She encouraged women to join politics because from those in the governing party to everyone of us they make better leaders most of the times. leading in opposition.” “Women are generally better leaders than most As we came to the conclusion of our chat, we asked men hence the need for many of us to join Ms. Zaloumis how far she intends to go in politics and politics. I would like to see a situation were her answer was short; “I would love to be a Member leadership roles are shared equally and this has of Parliament, then a Minister one day so that I can to start from the political parties. As political contribute to my country”.

12 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 We’ve Power To Say “Yes” Or “No” And Men Won’t Take Advantage – Chilando Chitangala (PF)

By Kanchele Kanchele for every woman, especially those holding or fighting for decision making positions, says Ms. Chitangala who is the n January 26, 2015, history was made as newly Councillor for Roma Ward 17, in Constituency. elected President appointed Inonge WinaO as Vice President of Zambia, becoming the first She adds that through dedication and being focused, female Vice President. She was selected to be his running she had risen through rank and file within the governing mate in the 2016 election which further cemented her Patriotic Front (PF) which she says is a living testimony iconic status in the nation by becoming the first woman that anyone, especially women can participate in politics elected as Vice President. as long as they put there mind to it. Her elevation in the politics of the country has since “Women should have an education and be financially inspired many women to first for positions of influence in independent, which means you need to have a job or their parties and the nation at large. Among the women run your own small business. From my own experience, who have been influenced, is former Lusaka Deputy I have learnt that men will respect a woman who is Mayor, Chilando Chitangala, who says the former Gender independent. If as women we stand on our own, we Minister, Mrs. Wina, is a hub of knowledge and wisdom have the power to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and men will not for women who aspire to be politicians. take advantage of us,” she upholds, while sited near a swimming pool with a cool breeze blowing. Chilando Chitangala served as Deputy Mayor of the City of Lusaka for a period of three years. A position she held It is for this reason that the former Lusaka Deputy Mayor the incumbent, Christopher Shakafuswa, took over. believes in being an ardent advocate of education for girls and does not hesitate to urge women who might Born in the 1970s from Musa and Agness Chitangala, have had an opportunity to get educated to go back to Chilando had 10 siblings. She is an entrepreneur who school. boasts of running a successful business. She says if women are to make it in the cutthroat game of politics She notes that once women get sound education, they they need to have a stable income so as to avoid being would be empowered enough to offer constructive abused by their male counterparts. criticism to those in authority and demand for service delivery to improve their welfare as they are the most Hardwork, discipline and Independence is very critical affected whenever there is a challenge in the delivery of social services. Ms Chitangala goes on to talk about the infamous violence associated with politics in the country which she says will be a thing of the past if those in Leadership regardless of whether in opposition or power understood that leadership has to change hands once in a while. “One of the major reasons why we experience political violence is that people want to cling on to positions. We are in a democracy. It is something we choose for ourselves. When one is in a position of power you see that they will use whatever means to hold on to the position including hiring people to fight for them. We need to learn to leave these positions for others. Like me once I have served as a Councillor I need to live this position and aspire for a higher one. “I have decided to contest for a much higher position in the 2021 general elections because I have gained enough experience and understand what leadership is,’’ she says. On the number of women in politics Ms. Chitangala lamented that most of women shy away from joining politics for a number of reasons including the verbal abuse and violence associated with politics and especially violence against women. On balancing politics with family. “Obviously, my social life has suffered. You cannot have it all,” she said. Ms. Chitangala has one child but looks after other relatives and dedicates her weekends to her family.

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 13 Never Give Up! Claim Your Space! Men Won’t Handover Power Without A Fight – Elizabeth Chitika Mulobeka (MMD)

By JOURNALIST ARTHUR DAVIES SIKOPO to politics at tender age when she and KANCHELE KANCHELE handed followers then Republican President Kenneth Kunda at an airstrip. he perennial question that exists in Zambian politics is “why have women been so marginalised in the She tells us that the day she handed politicalT process of Zambia? The Zambia Centre for the followers to the President, is the Interparty Dialogue ZCID in its attempt to increase the day she decided she would at a point number of women participating in politics has tried to join politics, and the reason; “when the answer this through one on one interviews with women President alighted from the plane he was from various political parties in the country. accompanied by a local lady returning home after being appointed as Member Among those we sat with is Elizabeth Chitika Mulobeka of the Central Committee (MCC) in the who is a veteran politician in her own right having served ruling party”. as a law maker for two terms in her home Constituency, Kawambwa, and is currently the Chief Executive Officer Hon. Chitika says after hearing that the of ‘mother of democracy’, the Movement for Multi-Party lady accompanying the President was Democracy, MMD. some one who was born and raised in Kawambwa, she turned to her father Mrs Mulobeka or Hon. Chitika, as she is popularly known, and told him that she wanted to be a especially in her home town, quickly takes as through politician one day. her early life as a girl growing up in the tea town of Kawambwa. Her father was a teacher and was introduced Fast forward to 1990, the country was

14 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 swapped by the euphoria of the new political party challenging the mighty UNIP and the young Chitika working in the Bank grabbed the chance and jumped on the bandwagon. “I joined politics in 1991. At a tender age of 27 left a good job in the bank. The formation of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) ignited a dream that I had as a young girl. I gave President Kaunda followers when I was a young and there was a beautiful lady who had just been appointed as MCC in UNIP. So, in 1990 when the wave of change came, I couldn’t resist because it was an opportunity to realize my dream. “I wanted to stand in 1991 but I was asked to step aside by the President of the party (Fredrick Chiluba), for someone older with more experience. But in 1995, Hon. Musonda, who I had paved way for called me and offered to help me as he was not going to stand in the next election. My ambitions of becoming MP for Kawambwa came to pass as I won the election in 96.” With a background set, ZCID wanted to know what she feels are the major obstacles for women in politics. Like others, firstly she points out that it is not easy being a female politician because of past beliefs and the culture of the country. “It is a very difficult situation. In our culture, some people believe that politics are meant for men so when you venture into it as a woman you really need to be strong. You need to work extra hard. If “Violence can be stopped in this country if all political you are a woman you do twice as much players just said no! Most violence is sponsored. I as a man for you to be recognized as a monitored elections in Ghana and no single incident leader. They are people who believe that of violence was recorded even when parties were women are not supposed to venture into campaigning in the same street. But here, it is ddifficult politics but it shouldn’t be like that.” for women to freely participate because they fear the “Women candidates being beaten, violence. Political players should insist on dialogue. And intimidated and even stripped naked. the Police should be neutral.” Hon. Chitika notes. Female candidates and voters are Finally, she urges women to get an education and acquire understandably deterred by violence, skills so that they are not accused of not being qualified forcing many to stay away,” She observes that most women fear to join politics for certain positions. because of electoral violence. “Women should not live politics to the men alone. Acquire “Advise to women is that they should skills before venturing into politics so that you are not never give up. Soldier on and claim accused of not being able to handle the office. I can the political space that we supposed to give an example of FDD President who is the first female claim as women because men will not Finance Minister of this country, when she was appointed handover power without a fight.” to that position eyebrows were raised but the President was able to defend his choice because she was qualified Can the narrative be changed? “Of with papers to back her appointment. I for one hold a course, it can!”, was her quick response. Masters Degree in Communication for Development. And added that it is the key political players who have power to stop violence “Have your own resources when running for office so giving an example of Ghana where she that you are able to fund your own campaigns then you witnessed different political parties doing will not be abused,” she counsels fellow women with a the campaigns within the same street. passion as we closed our interaction.

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 15 Parties Need Policies To Encourage Women Join Politics – Bupe Mulenga (PF)

By FRANCIS CHIPALO here is need for all political parties to have policies that would Tencourage more women to join and participate in the political affairs of our country, Patriotic Front (PF) Munkolo Ward 12 Councillor of Kanyama constituency Bupe Mulenga has said. And Mulenga observes that financial muscle was the biggest challenge affecting and hindering women to join politics. Ms. Mulenga says if more women were to begin taking part in politics, leaders of political parties need to begin to create a more conducive environment such as adopting policies that are tailored in a such a way that female politicians feel protected and free to take part in governance affairs. Noting that political violence was one issue that needs to be given serious attention by political parties, the local representative of the people says that failure to address violence will continue to see less women taking part in politics. Ms. Mulenga recounts how her team members spent about 3 weeks receiving treatment at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after being attacked by the opposing camp during the 2016 campaigns in Kanyama constituency. “I was discouraged at that time because I felt I was not safe being a woman. I feel we need to have a change of mindset in the manner we conduct our politics. If we are going to attack people’s characters and preach negative messages toward each other, that is not politics but we are

17 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 instead promoting violence. Political character and are able to build Zambia economically and parties should be bringing out clear socially,” she added. messages against violence. We Born in the 1970s, Ms. Mulenga did her primary and should speak against our cadres fighting the opponents. Secondary School at St Marys in Woodlands, Lusaka then went to Stonar School in Wiltshire, United Kingdom and It is important that strong messages finally finished her high school from Banani International are sent through all the political School in Chisamba the Central Province of Zambia. parties including the PF where I belong that we should deter from She is a Biomedical scientist by profession having funding violent campaigns and pursued a degree in Wiltshire and currently, she is doing discouraging youths from attacking her MBA at the University of Zambia under Strategic other political parties,” she adds. Management. Ms. Mulenga further says politician In a well composed and postured set with our team, she should instead talk about economic confesses it was not her dream and neither was it an and social matters, among others, aspiration for her to become a politician but it just came issues noting that it will be along the way having being a woman from a career- beneficial to the Zambian people as oriented family. opposed to character assassination. “Politics was not in the picture but as you evolve in The Local Government life, you realize that it is the politicians that decide how representative states that continued our lives are really going to be because they are policy political violence will discourage markers and I figured out that if I wanted to make a women to get involved in the game. change in life, I needed to be a policy marker. I started “However, the biggest challenge following the late Micheal Sata on campaigns, learning affecting women in politics is from him, listening to him especially on his views of financial muscle. And some of our wanting to alleviate people’s sufferings.” Constituencies are vast and you Ms. Mulenga also has some family political routes, her need money to fund a campaign. grandfather, Mr. Walubita, was a first Provincial Minister And secondly, the social sector does in Livingstone when the now Tourist Capital was Zambia’s not encourage women to participate capital city. Her father was one of the youngest Members because everyone says politics is of Parliament in the UNIP era under Dr Kenneth David a dirty game, so I feel even in my Kaunda who is Zambia’s 1st President. party we need to have more policies that encourages women to get “Today, I am a Councillor in the PF. I beat four other men into politics in a way that we feel to be in this position and our tenure ship finishes in 2021. sheltered and protected and be able I am looking to increase my base right now I am looking come on board to share our skills, at bigger positions, it could be Member of Parliament in education and knowledge. 2021 if I am nominated by my party. I am aspiring either to be Permanent Secretary or Diplomat so this is not the A woman is selfless and possesses end of this political career. I have very big dreams and strong qualities and these strong I have to give it to God because He gives us the desires qualities of a woman should be of our hearts. I am definitely striving and working to be embraced by our political parties. a better and bigger leader in the nation of Zambia,” she Let us put women that have a noble ends.

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 18 By KANCHELE KANCHELE

or decades, younger women were less likely than Fyoung men to be involved in politics pretty much across the spectrum. Data showed they were less likely to run for office, contribute to campaigns or contact public officials.

But times are fast changing as some of these long-held patterns are no longer the norm due to the ever- increasing number of young women joining politics.

Mercy Kaoma Moyo of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy is one of those challenging the notion that politics is game reserved for men. She is MMD’s Deputy National Treasurer.

Ms. Moyo was born in the Northern region of the Country, Mansa to be specific. She explains that she got to learn about politics at a tender age as she was often picked to deliver followers to visiting government officials and other dignitaries.

“I got to learn about politics when I was still young. I grew up in a ‘political’ family because my parents were

19 ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 Women Should Aspire To Be Decision Makers In Politics, Not Just Followers – Mercy Kaoma Moyo (MMD)

senior government officials in the province. I was ZCID/Hivos initiative will change the narrative. picked to deliver followers to the President, Ministers and senior government officials when visited the The other challenge highlighted was the violence Province.” associated to politics. She says as woman it is difficult to campaign or do other political activities She explains that as a youth she was a political with the high levels of political violence which have activist but that it was not at a more serious or characterized the country’s politics especially during professional level adding that she only joined politics campaigns. as a profession in 2019 and she was appointed as Deputy National Treasurer in the MMD. She says violence affects women more “regardless of whether it is a woman who has been involved in it or Having spent most of her life in the Civil Society not, the end result is that a woman will have to be where she has contributed massively in terms of involved by way of caring for the injured”. the fight against HIV/AIDS and making sure that Zambians have HIV good management, the now Ms. Moyo further wants the environment to be made politician, feels her political career will help in suitable for women to participate in the country’s formulation of policies to better healthcare. politics. She calls on political leaders to ensure that they come up with mechanisms which would help in Then we drew her down to the challenges faced not only ending political violence but make the playing by women in politics. Ms. Moyo points out that the field level so that women and men can compete as stigma attached to women politics remains the equals. biggest challenge for many. She observed that the challenges faced by women have a background and In ending, our interview we asked Ms. Moyo what she that continuous efforts by organizations like the aspires to be in politics and her short answer was that “I want to be the decision maker and not a follower”.

I got to learn about politics when I was still young. I grew up in a ‘political’ family because my parents were senior government officials in the province. I was picked to deliver followers “ to the President, Ministers and senior government officials when visited the Province.

ZCID BULLETIN, 2020 20 PROJECT SUPPORTED BY