Gender Focus News A publication of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council

Volume One Friday May 8, 2020 Gender equality key to development, says Liuwa aspirant BY NGOCC STAFFER THE more women in key decision-making positions, the better the chances the country will have to redress the current development challenges the country has, saysMwangalaMwenda Lethbridge. Ms. Mwenda, an Architect by profession is a member of the Patriotic Front (PF) party and is eyeing the Liuwa Constituency seat in Kalabo, Western Province. Full story on page 3 Women have a duty to participate in Governance, WOMEN says Saboi

FOR 2021 BY FRIDAH NKONDE-MUBANGA …50/50 women – men WOMEN should know that it is not only their right to take up decision-making positions, but it is also their duty, says NDC Kafue Constituency aspiring candidate representation possible Saboi Imboela. Full story on page 3 Printed with support from OVERNMENT has women to offer themselves Campaign Strategy (CECS) challenged women to for elective positions as at Mulungushi International Goffer themselves for Members of Parliament and Conference Centre in Lusaka elective positions ahead of Councillors. recently, Ms. Phiri said there the 2021 General elections. Speaking during the launch was need for society to Gender Minister Elizabeth of the NGOCC women’s support and vote for women. Phiri says there is need for Coordinated Elections Full story on page 2 “Building Solidarity for Women’s Empowerment” 2. NGOCC News WOMEN FOR 2021 by ngocc staffer

GOVERNMENT has …50/50 women – men representation possible challenged women to offer Campaign Strategy is pre- themselves for elective po- mised on unity of purpose sitions ahead of the 2021 by all stakeholders,” Ms. General elections. Mulenga said. Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri says there is need for “The narrative of wom- women to offer themselves en aspiring for political for elective positions as leadership; be it at Local Members of Parliament Government, Parliamen- and Councillors. tary and Presidential lev- els remains heart rending. Speaking during the That is why, the women’s launch of the NGOCC movement saw it befitting women’s Coordinated to join hands with various Elections Campaign stakeholders to create a Strategy (CECS) at Mu- deliberate plan to spur lungushi International women’s participation in Conference Centre in politics especially in view Lusaka recently, Ms. Phiri of the fast approaching said there was need for 2021 general elections,” society to support and said Ms. Mulenga. vote for women. Meanwhile, Zambia In March 2020, the National Women’s Lobby Non-governmental Executive Director Juliet Gender Organisations’ Chibuta said it was unfor- Coordinating Council Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri tunate that globally, girls (NGOCC) launched the women in Parliament and try’s population. President tions. and women continued Coordinated Elections Local Government after Edgar Lungu has over the “The breaking of barri- to be marginalised from Campaign Strategy, whose the 2021 General Elec- years demonstrated his And NGOCC board ers that hinder women’s the political sphere due objective is to among oth- tions,” Ms. Phiri said. government’s desire to chairperson Mary Mu- participation in politics to obstructive laws and er enhance the participa- bring about greater gender lenga in her welcome cannot happen by acci- institutional obstacles, tion of women in gover- “May I take this oppor- equity and equality at the remarks said while the dent. Every person that prejudiced cultural prac- nance and politics. tunity to appeal, first- highest level.” women’s movement recog- is alive to the fact that tices, and disproportion- “It has always been the de- ly, to women, to offer nized the strides that the women can and do play ately low access to quality sire of the government to themselves for elective Ms. Phiri said prior to the country has made towards a critical role not only in education, healthcare, and ensure that we have equal positions as Members of 2016 elections, President empowering women for the home but in matters resources. representation of both Parliament and Council- Lungu and the PF party leadership, the yawning of national development, men and women in poli- lors. Currently, women’s adopted a woman as a gap between women and will agree that deliberate “But as a movement, we tics and decision-making representation in Parlia- running mate who today men in leadership should interventions have to be say no to this and we positions. The government ment is at about 17.2 per is the country’s Republi- never be seen as normal. seriously applied in order refuse to see this in future through the Ministry of cent down from 18.1 per can Vice President. to effectively facilitate because it is possible to Gender therefore, remains cent, recorded after the She said natural justice women’s participation. reverse discriminating committed to working 2016 General Elections. She said the Head of State demands that women are There should be no room policies and practices. with Civil Society and the This is despite the fact that has further appointed a considered equitably even for discrimination or any Education, amongst all women’s movement to women constitute almost number of women to key as they aspire for leader- form of stereotype. The other factors, is recog- ensure that we have more 51 per cent of the coun- decision-making posi- ship. Coordinated Elections nized as one of the most important causes of the problem that prevents women’s voices from be- Take up leadership, Women challenged ing heard in government. Girls being forced to stay BY FRIDAH NKONDE- assessed as to their viability,” Ms. I did my Grade 6 and 7. I did shun politics. Women should be at home to do domestic work, and missing out on MUBANGA Mwamba says. my Grade 8 to 12 at Mumbwa motivated to help being spear Secondary School in Mumbwa. headers in Central governance,” schooling, will have lower self-esteem as a result, WOMEN should take interest “Women should take interest in I later studied Business Admin- Ms. Mwamba says. one of the factors for low in politics because most of the politics because most of the de- istration and Sales. I have been political participation,” decisions made by politicians af- cisions made by politicians affect working in Sales for the past 14 “I picked on Lusaka Central be- Ms. Chibuta said. fect them, says Democratic Party them. It is therefore important to years. I am currently in charge cause it is a very special Constit- (DP) Lusaka Central Constituen- have women in decision-making of retail and chain stores,” Ms. uency. It is composed of a wide “Furthermore, it is the cy 2021 aspiring candidate Linda positions because we need more Mwamba says. portfolio of stakeholders ranging male-dominated nature of Mwamba. women to add their voices and from the working class, the politics in most countries Ms. Mwamba says Zambia needs speak out against the many chal- She says she decided to join employable youth and the hard- that puts a glass barrier more women in decision-making lenges that women face. There politics because she has always working mothers and men in the against women trying positions. are so many women out there wanted to serve the people. markets. The working class needs who are oppressed and there is water, proper markets, affordable to enter it. More women need to be empowered “Being a woman comes with no one to speak for them.” “There is so much that wom- schools and hospitals. When to speak up in the public a natural sense of details. As a en can do in decision-making we talk about the youth…they sphere. It creates a vicious mother, I am always forward Ms Mwamba, 43, and a mother positions. We all know that need support to establish viable cycle that the fewer looking. This is the gift that will of three says women were capa- women have so much to do in businesses. I would like to help women are in politics, the help me serve my people with ble of developing Zambia. the homes; they take care of the the young people access finances more their needs are being high level of forecast. The gift to children, have to ensure that to help run their own activities. unmet; and the more make decisions comes naturally. “I went to Matete Primary there is food in the house, and Using my position, I will be unconfident they are, the I know that I will not struggle School in Kitwe from Grade 1 they are the ones who take care lobbying from the existing NGO less likely they can voice to ensure that all the decisions to 5. I then moved to Muchinka of the sick in homes. I would to come up with activities that out their opinion in the made for the people are properly Primary School in Mansa where like to encourage women not to would help young people.” government.” NGOCC News .3 Women have a duty to participate in Governance, says Saboi by Fridah nkonde- avail themselves for leadership, politics and anything. You will in terms of how they should mubanga so it is important that women find that most women will respond to women leader- avail themselves for leader- only be interviewed on light ship? The women’s movement WOMEN should know that it ship,” Ms. Imboela says. issues. When a woman does has a big role to play when it is not only their right to take something, women are judged comes to sensitising people on up decision-making positions, Ms. Imboela says more women harshly by the media. We need women leadership.My advice but it is also their duty, says should be encouraged to take positive aspects about women to women who shun politics NDC Kafue Constituency up leadership positions in to be brought out and not just is that they should not shun aspiring candidate Saboi society. negatives. A lot of capacity away from politics. Any soci- Imboela. building is needed in public ety that is disadvantaging half “Inasmuch as we may go out speaking, mobilisation. A lot of its population disadvantages Ms. Imboela says women there to encourage our fellow of women lack confidence, itself we have seen very good should not wait for others to women to participate in elec- self-motivation to go out there examples of countries that better the country but should tions, it starts from all of us. I and become leaders. We need have used both men and wom- get up and take up leadership feel it is important that women more women in leadership po- en in leadership positions… positions. join…and if I am going to tell sitions. For example, political these countries are doing very other women to join politics, parties would want to adopt well. Let’s look at Rwanda, it Aged 41, Ms. Imboela studied it should start with me. The women but where are the is one of the shining examples Political Science and Develop- other reason is that a woman’s women?” in Africa…we have Sweden, ment Studies at the University perspective is different… Ms. Imboela says it is un- Finland. These countries are of Zambia and has a Masters men and women were created fortunate that society still doing well in health, educa- in International Law and differently. My perspective is has a problem with women tion,” says Ms. Imboela. Politics from the Univer- definitely different from that leadership. Ms. Imboela is currently sity of Canterbury in New of a man. If a man looks at a “It starts from the homes, working as a consultant in Zealand. She has worked for bad road today, for example, churches…what are we telling gender, children and women’s the University of Zambia as they will look at the economic the girls as they grow up? rights programming, as well as NDC Kafue Constituency aspiring candidate Saboi a lecturer, Save the Children aspect of a road…in terms of What are we telling the boys communication and media. Imboela as a Communication and what is transported there… Advocacy Coordinator, UNDP their cars…what will happen and the Electoral Commission to their car if they drive on of Zambia as a youth Projects a bad road. But I will look at Coordinator where she was in it from a social aspect…if a EDITORIAL charge of all youth campaigns pregnant woman is taken to and communications for the the hospital using the same he Gender Focus News (GFN) in corporate institutions. The same Women’s ability to engage politically 2011 General Elections. She bad road, how will it affect is a publication of the Non-Gov- trend has been registered at Par- both within and beyond the voting is currently running a school her? When I look at a bad Ternmental Gender Organisa- liamentary and Local Government booth—particularly as community called SaboiImboela and is road, as a woman, I will think tions Coordinating Council (NGOCC). level where women’s representation organisers and elected officials—is Chief Executive Officer of about human life, a pregnant The Gender Focus News isone of has always been very low currently often shaped by norms that drive Galaxy Media Limited. woman’s health and not just the many activities NGOCC and at 18.1%, (29) women Members of wider social structures. Fundamen- the economic side of a road.” indeed the women’s movement are Parliament, 26 elected and 3 nomi- tal to the constraints that women “Women should know that it implementing to try and increase the nated, out of the 164 MPs) and 9% face is an entrenched patriarchal is not only their rights, it is Ms. Imboela says women participation of women in decision (132 women out of 1,648 Councilors system in which family control and also their duty to take up lead- should never forget who they making position specifically politics. elected) respectively. A number of decision-making powers are in the ership positions. Women owe are and what they are capable The publication is born to compliment reasons have been cited for the low hands of males. Traditional beliefs it to their country to ensure of doing. the good work that the Zambian me- numbers of women under-represen- and cultural attitudes—especially as that there is good governance. dia is doing in amplifying the voices tation but largely attributed to the regards women’s roles and status in If women want good gover- “Some feminists say that of women in the media. entrenched patriarchy. According to society—remain strong, particularly nance, it should start with women should work as hard as Specifically, the publication which will the United Nations women in every in rural areas. Traditional roles and them. They (women) should men and also try to integrate initially be published monthly aims at part of the world continue to be the division of labour are still clearly not wait for others to better in a man’s environment. Other profiling women who are aspiring for largely marginalized from the political gendered. Social norms that make it this country. They should ask feminists say that inasmuch as political office ahead of 2021. sphere, often as a result of discrimi- more difficult for women to leave their themselves what they are do- we may both work in the same natory laws, practices, attitudes and traditionally domestic roles for more ing to better this country and environment, we should never The publication will therefore be gender stereotypes, low levels of public roles outside of the home. take up leadership positions. forget who we are as wom- available for potential women candi- education, lack of access to health Women’s gender identity is still I would like to urge women en. Those feminists advance dates from across the political divide. care and the disproportionate effect predominantly conceived of as being to aspire for leadership and a view where they say that As a nonpartisan organisation, our of poverty on women. domestic in nature, and continues to better this country. They will people like to say that women only objective which is in line with the act as a barrier to women’s entry into be doing it for their children are emotional…but the reason our mission is to increase women’s Research has shown that a number formal politics. and their children’s children,” why most Parliaments are so participation in politics. of factors act as barriers to wom- Ms. Imboelawho is also into unresponsive to the needs of an political participation. Political, Economic factors part time lecturing says. the people; women and chil- Over the years, women have re- socio-economic and cultural barriers Socio-economic status of women to dren in particular is because mained marginalized and discriminat- predominantly constrain or prevent a greater extent play a significant “We need more women in they lack emotions. So, those ed from both participating and bene- women’s participation. role in enhancing their participation leadership positions. There are feminists say we need emo- fiting from the various development and representation in political deci- very few women occupying tions in Parliament…we need processes. Women’s participation in These include; Violent and Sexual sion-making bodies. The lack of an influential positions. From those emotions in Parliament. governance and decision making has and Gender Based Violence economic base for women has been the time we had the Millen- When something is going remained extremely unacceptably In many African states, Zambia inclu- a factor in their participation—or lack nium Development Goals, as wrong, women will look at it low over the years. sive, politics is marred by violence. of—it in politics because the cost of Zambia we signed to have at emotionally and will sort it While both genders are victims of campaigning is very high. Lack of least 30 per cent of women in out. If we have so many men Since Zambia’s independence in this, it presents particular barriers to financial resources can limit partic- leadership positions. But now in Parliament, they will detach 1964, women have been absent from women’s engagement and political ipation given the costs associated almost all the international themselves from the women’s the decision making tables despite participation. According to the United with elections (WPL, 2014; Kayuni & protocols have moved from 30 problems. I agree with those the fact that they are in the majority. Nations (2015) an Afrobarometer Chikadza, 2016; Common Wealth, to 50 per cent. Up to now as a who say that we need women survey showed that women feel “a 2017). Independent funding and plac- country, we are struggling and who will treat any problem as Statistics indicate although there sense of vulnerability to political ing limits on campaign spending may we only have something like theirs,” Ms. Imboela says. has been some marginal increase intimidation and violence”. Electoral support women in overcoming the a 10 per cent women repre- in the number of female Supreme violence is one problem that has barriers to political participation. sentation. If you look at our “The negative portrayal of and High Court Judges at 45%, the been identified as a stumbling block Parliament, you look at our women in the media is a prob- lower courts are still at 27% and 12% to robust participation of women in The Gender Focus News therefore Council…most of these de- lem and this should be looked female representation at Magistrates the political process and in gover- will provide a platform for women to cision-making positions; you into by the women’s movement and Local Court Justices respective- nance. Violence against women is market themselves to the electorates will find that the women are between now and the 2021 ly. used as a targeted and destructive in the various constituencies and very few. So, the critical mass General Elections. The women tool in various ways throughout the wards. As we go towards 2021, we of just 30 per cent, has failed should be profiled positively. At Cabinet and Permanent Secretary electoral cycle to dissuade women therefore appeal to women across to be achieved and one of I can safely say that I am one level, statistics have been averag- from participating as election admin- the country to offer themselves for the reasons we have very few of those who talks to different ing 20% while at traditional leaders’ istrators, voters, and candidates. leadership. We also appeal to society women in political leadership media houses about almost level, females represent a paltry 9%, out there to support women leader- is the fact that women fail to anything; from economics, the same as female Chief Executives Cultural and traditional norms ship. NGOCC bemoans low numbers of women in decision making BY NGOCC STAFFER processes was a human rights “Women’s participation in deci- violation against women. sion-making is not only important but Non-governmental Gender Or- also a development imperative. As we ganisations’ Coordinating Council Currently the National Assembly have continually stated, sustainable (NGOCC), Executive Director, has a total of 166 members of development will remain elusive for Engwase Mwale says the 2021 which only 28 are women. as long as women are excluded from general elections presents an occupying positions of influence at all opportunity for Zambia to attain “Over the years, NGOCC and levels; Parliament and Local Govern- gender parity with regards the the women’s movement at large, ment among others.” She says. decision making positions held by have been concerned about the Non-governmental Gender women and men. low participation of women in Below are some current fe- Ms. Mwale says the discrimination decision-making at all levels. The male members of Parliament. Organisations’ Coordinating of women from participating and 2021 general elections present an The Remaining members will Council benefiting from the development opportunity,” Ms. Mwale said. be added in the next edition

NGOCC Secretariat 5168 Nchoncho / Chishango Road, Light In- dustrial Area, P.O. Box 37879, Lusaka. Zambia Tel: +260-211 224727/227529 Fax: +260-211- 227514 Email: [email protected]; Website: www. ngocc.org.zm

Inonge Mutukwa Wina Catherine Namugala ABOUT NGOCC Republican Vice President First Deputy Speaker of Parliament The Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) is an umbrella organization active in coordinating and strengthening member Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and Community Based Organisation (CBOs) working to uplift the standards of women and children in Zambia. Established in 1985, NGOCC has been active in Dora Siliya Olipa Mwansa Phiri Kampamba Chilumba Jean Kapata addressing gender and development for Constituency: Petauke Constituency: Nyimba (PF) Constituency: Kalulushi (PF) Constituency: Mandevu (PF) the empowerment of women.Amid the Central (PF) Minister - Office of the Minister - Community Minister - Lands and various challenges and for a more focused Minister - Information and Vice President Development and Social Natural Resources Broadcasting Welfare approach towards equality, NGOCCC does recognize the importance of women’s role in social, cultural, political and economic development of the nation and determined to uphold the women’s human rights and ensure their empowerment. Over the years, NGOCC has grown from just being a co-coordinating body to a focal point for women’s issues in Zambia and a voice for the women’s movement. The current membership stands at 97 organizations spread across Sylvia Bambala Chalikosa Nkandu Luo, MP Godfridah Nsenduluka Attractor Malungo all the 10 Provinces with a presence in 62 Constituency: Mpika Constituency: Munali (PF) Sumaili Chisangano districts of Zambia. Central (PF) Minister - Fisheries and Nominated MP (PF) Constituency: Gwembe Minister - Works and Livestock Minister - Religious Affairs (UPND) Supply and National Guidance OUR VALUES 1. Equity 2. Equality 3. Activism 4. Team work 5. Volunteerism 6. Integrity 7. Professionalism 8. Commitment 9. Transparency andAccountability 10. Being a learning Organisation Mirriam Chinyama Pilila Mwanza Getrude Jere Emerine Kabanshi Chushi C Kasanda Chonya Constituency: Lumezi Constituency: Luapula (PF) Constituency: Chisamba Constituency: Kafue (UPND) (Independent) (UPND) “Building Solidarity for Women’s Empowerment”