Government Commits to Boosting Women's Political Participation

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women's participation in politics and leadership.

President Hakainde Hichilema said Zambia has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically limited women's political participation.

His remarks were delivered in a speech read on his behalf by Justice Minister Princess Kasune during a high-level conference on women's political participation at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

President Hichilema noted that although women make up 51 percent of the population, they hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions.

He said government is working to create a safer environment for women in public and political life through strengthened legislative measures.

Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Beauty Katebe expressed concern over the low number of women in political and decision-making positions.

Ms Katebe warned that Zambia risks failing to achieve its full democratic potential if women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged women to actively participate in politics, noting it is worrying that women, despite being the majority, often do not support each other in political processes.

"Women must support fellow women if we are to see meaningful change in political representation," Ms Zaloumis said.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali added that the 2026 general elections will serve as a litmus test for Zambia's commitment to gender equality.

The conference brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and international organisations to discuss strategies for increasing women's political participation and leadership.