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Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has expressed concern over the low number of women in Zambia’s Parliament, calling it a continuing issue.
She noted that, unlike parliaments worldwide, which have seen gradual increases in female representation, Zambia’s progress remained slow.
In her statement on Wednesday, marking Zambia’s 60th Independence Day, Mutti attributed the rise in women’s representation in other countries to the introduction of gender quotas and shifting societal views on the role of women.
“The increase in female elected representatives is crucial, as it allows for women’s voices and perspectives in legislative matters,” she said.
Mutti highlighted the transformation of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus into a fully-fledged committee as a key milestone in efforts to address gender parity in Zambia.
She reaffirmed that Parliament would continue to engage in lawmaking and oversight that promotes socially inclusive and gender-responsive policies.
“As Speaker, I take immense pride in witnessing the growth and progress of our country, particularly in passing laws that have had a profound impact on Zambia’s socio-economic development,” Mutti added.
She indicated that a capable and vibrant Parliament was essential for the country’s development agenda and noted that the National Assembly continued to reform to better serve the needs and aspirations of the Zambian people.
Mutti pointed to the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as an example of Parliament’s positive impact on the development process.
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The enhanced CDF, she said, has transformed communities and lives, with the new CDF Act ensuring broader representation and a people-centered approach to development.
She acknowledged that building a more prosperous, equitable and inclusive society required continuous collective efforts from all Zambians.
“The active participation and cooperation of all citizens, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or political affiliation, is key to sustaining Zambia’s development gains over the past 60 years,” Mutti urged.
She called on Zambians to work together to ensure that Parliament reflected the nation’s diverse voices while driving forward policies that foster social and economic development for all.
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