RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
MARCH, 2025
- Mrs Priscilla Chikonde Chansa, The Chapter President Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z);
- Mr Maurice K Nyambe, The Executive Director Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z);
- The Ministry of Justice Representative;
- Representatives from Cooperating Partners;
- The Political Party Representative;
- The Anti-Corruption Commission Representative;
- The Electoral Commission of Zambia Representative;
- Representatives from Civil Society Organisations;
- Distinguished Guests;
- Members of the Press;
- Ladies and gentlemen
GOOD MORNING,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct honour and privilege to stand before you today as we commemorate Women in Politics Day, a day that not only celebrates the strides made by women in political leadership, but, also reminds us of the work that remains in our pursuit for gender equality in governance.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Transparency International Zambia for organising this important event. Your steadfast advocacy for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity demonstrates the importance that your Institution attaches to the empowerment of women in Zambia’s political landscape and I can only encourage you to continue this noble cause.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world to pay tribute to the great women of our societies. As you are fully aware, empowering women is very necessary for bringing gender equality. However, most of the conventional people still feel that women should be confined to household chores and should not step out for work, as that’s not their place. It is my considered view that this notion should not be allowed to continue. Women have equal potential as long as they are trusted, valued and given the opportunities to participate in various endeavours, including the political sphere.
Ladies and gentlemen, women remain significantly underrepresented in politics, with only 27% of Parliamentarians in single or lower houses worldwide as indicated by the Women’s Leadership and Political Participation Report, 2025.In Zambia, though we have made progress in increasing women’s participation in political leadership, with the country boasting of a female Republican Vice President, and the first female Speaker of the National Assembly, the numbers remain far from being equitable. For instance, we only have 25 female Parliamentarians out of 167 members in our National Assembly. We must ask ourselves: What barriers continue to stand in the way? What more can we do to ensure that women do not only enter politics, but, thrive and lead effectively?
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite constitutional provisions and commitments to gender equality, women in politics continue to face numerous challenges, such as:
- Cultural and societal norms that discourage female leadership;
- Limited access to financial and logistical support for political campaigns;
- Political violence and intimidation; and
- Discriminatory attitudes that question women’s capabilities in governance.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
These barriers cannot be dismantled without collective effort by all stakeholders. The legislative arm of Government, must enact laws that protect women in politics from violence and discrimination. Political parties must actively promote gender inclusivity, ensuring that women receive equal access to opportunities, resources, and leadership positions. Civil society Organisations and the media must challenge harmful stereotypes and amplify the voices of women in politics.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Empowering women in politics is not just about achieving gender balance, it is also about strengthening democracy, enhancing governance, and ensuring that all voices are represented in the decision-making process. The future of Zambia’s political landscape depends on our collective ability to create an inclusive, supportive environment where women can lead without fear or limitation.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The time for action is now. I want to make a special appeal to political parties because of the vital role they play in creating a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Zambia, ensuring that women contribute to shaping the Country’s future. I urge all political parties to implement policies that promote women’s representation, through:
- enforcing gender quotas in party leadership structures;
- providing financial and mentorship support for female candidates;
- strengthening women’s league within political parties; and
- creating safer spaces for women to participate in political activities without fear.
I also call upon young women to take up the mantle of leadership. The future of Zambia’s democracy depends on your voices, your ideas, and your unwavering commitment to change.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Transparency and accountability are at the core of good governance. As we advocate for more women in politics, it is crucial that our political institutions uphold the highest ethical standards. Unfortunately, corrupt political finance practices exacerbate the disparity between men and women by restricting women’s access to funding, excluding them from patronage networks, and increasing the cost of running for office.
Organizations such as Transparency International Zambia play an indispensable role in ensuring that governance structures remain open, inclusive, and accountable. Through these collective efforts, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to lead without fear of discrimination or victimisation.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Being a woman myself, I find it encouraging that an increasing number of international standards and instruments also address the role of women in politics, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which undertake to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all civil and political rights; the Resolution 66/130 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 19 December 2011 on Women and Political Participation that calls on all States to “enhance the political participation of women,” and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its General Recommendation 23 which encourages political parties to adopt and provide financial and other resources to overcome obstacles and “ensure that women have an equal opportunity to be nominated as candidates for election.”
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, as we celebrate and commemorate the International Women’s Day that falls tomorrow with the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” let us take time to reflect on the future we want for our women and girls. Indeed, let us all strive for a Zambia where women lead alongside men in equal measure.
With these remarks, I thank you.
