INTRODUCTION
The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) joins the global community in commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March, reflecting on the progress made and challenges ahead in advancing gender equality and equity. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women and Girls, Accelerate Progress,” underscores the pivotal role of economic and social empowerment in fostering gender inclusiveness.
GENDER INCLUSIVENESS AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
The ZNWL recognizes the imperative of women’s participation in social and economic spheres for fostering human rights and social justice principles. Economic empowerment of women not only advances gender equality but also drives economic growth and development. Studies affirm that closing the gender gap in the economic sector significantly boosts Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
However, significant barriers hinder gender inclusiveness in Zambia, including low representation of women in decision-making positions, limited access to economic opportunities, gender-based violence (GBV), child marriages, and teenage pregnancies.
CALL TO ACTION
The ZNWL urges the government to adopt comprehensive measures to enhance women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres:
- Social Safety Nets and Economic Empowerment: Strengthen social safety nets and economic empowerment programs with a gender perspective to increase women’s participation.
- Support for Informal Sector Women: Provide support to women in the informal sector through access to funding, markets, networking, and training opportunities to promote economic growth and job creation.
- Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Fully adopt gender-responsive budgeting and financing to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensuring that policies and programs consider the diverse needs and experiences of women and men.
- Affirmative Policies: Formulate affirmative policies to facilitate women’s leadership roles in various sectors, breaking down barriers to entry and advancement.
- Electoral System Reform: Advocate for electoral system reform to facilitate women’s participation in political leadership through the adoption of a Mixed Member Electoral System.
- Addressing Cultural Norms and GBV: Intensify efforts to address harmful cultural practices and GBV through sensitization campaigns and legal reforms, ensuring stringent punishment for perpetrators.
CONCLUSION
Women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres is paramount for sustainable development and stability. Upholding gender equality principles aligns with regional and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional protocols.
The ZNWL urges all Zambians to support gender equality and equity as a human rights imperative. Operationalizing the Gender Equality and Equity Act through the establishment of the Gender Commission is crucial for mainstreaming gender in public and private sectors.
On this International Women’s Day, the ZNWL extends warm wishes to all Zambian women, advocating for continued progress and empowerment in 2024.
Issued by Ms. Daisy Nkhata Ng’ambi
National Board Chairperson- ZNWL
Zambia is the only country in the world that commemorates every event even if its not important….characteristics of a lazy country….am surprised no one is talking about women’s day here in the USA but in Zambia….its women’s day this…women’s day that
Its not laziness, somethings analyze issues deeper. A matured society like US, EU, etc do need celebrate days that are meant to highlight challenges attached to that particular subject because they did that for 300 years, not that issues have been resolved but the subject (ie women) have better issues to address. Unlike, societies like Zambia where issues like Patriachy remains a stonewall in their careers, marriage, religion, etc. You are right US and the like do not bother with such days, they are now focused on issues like climate change, they are done with women rights. I submit
Women’s Day 2024 in Zambia was a vibrant celebration honoring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across the nation. Events highlighted strides towards gender equality, empowering women in all facets of life, from politics to business and beyond. It served as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
When I think about women’s cruelty towards stepchildren, orphans and men without money, I don’t understand why we should even honour Zambian women.
@Kabola ntwentwe
The women here are busy working at NASA preparing for the next trip to the moon….no time for nonsense commemoration
There is nothing celebratory here in the UK about Women’s day. Am watching Loose Women on TV.
Much as we appreciate about Women’s International Day, the hype of it in Zambia its like all things should be at stand still and MARCH for what, lets just get on with serious national issues – drought, load shedding, cholera, hunger and roads infrastructure. Gender issues, GBV, Women’s empowerment, affirmative action policy for women;- all these are already being implemented continuously by almost every government that has come and gone. Its importance is slowly diminishing as an advocacy group – In a democratic society, values and human rights for all matter most.
It’s better to introduce and commemorate Hichilema Failure Day. It’ll remind us about never ever taking campaign promises seriously. It’ll also remind us about the educated business mogul that lamentably failed
We are creating a new problem by promoting too much of women everything. The boy child has been ignored way too long. marriages are failing coz of the same. when the woman is the bread winner in the home, how is the man treated? What we need are equal opportunities not a country where everything favors one sex
The current group is just a branch of the UPND Women’s League