By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on stakeholders, including civil society and the church, to support constitutional amendments before the 2026 elections to increase women’s participation in elective positions.
Speaking in Kasama during International Women’s Day celebrations on Saturday, Hichilema emphasized that women demonstrate greater commitment to duty than some men, which is why his administration is prioritizing their appointment to key positions.
“We need constitutional amendments, and we are willing to make them. I mentioned this in my last address to Parliament, and we invite all stakeholders, including civil society and the church, to support us so that more women can be appointed or elected,” he said.
Hichilema expressed confidence that more women would contest elective positions in 2026, attributing this to a political environment that he said has been “sanitized” under the UPND government, unlike in the past when elections were marred by violence.
He reiterated the need for constitutional reforms to introduce proportional representation, increase women’s appointments, and create more constituencies.
“Our government has agreed to amend the constitution before the 2026 elections so that more women can participate,” he added.
Meanwhile, Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as the country joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Speaking at the national commemoration event, Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, emphasized government’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
“It is my honour and privilege to address you on this momentous occasion of International Women’s Day. This is a time to celebrate the resilience and achievements of women and girls while reaffirming our commitment to building a Zambia where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive,” she said.
Vice President Nalumango highlighted Zambia’s progress in promoting women’s rights through policy and legislative reforms.
She reiterated government’s efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women.
“The Zambia we envision is one where every girl has access to quality education, where women actively participate in decision-making, and where all individuals enjoy their rights freely and equally,” she stated.
She further commended President Hakainde Hichilema for prioritizing gender-responsive policies, including the Revised National Gender Policy, which aims to address disparities and promote equal opportunities.
“Significant strides have been made in closing the gender gap in education and ensuring that girls remain in school. We are committed to ending child marriage and addressing early pregnancies, which remain key barriers to girls’ empowerment,” she noted.
The Vice President also outlined government’s investments in maternal and reproductive healthcare and measures to combat gender-based violence.
“Our government has strengthened healthcare infrastructure, improved maternal and child health services, and taken firm action to protect women and girls from gender-based violence. However, we must do more to ensure that survivors receive adequate support and justice,” she stated.
She further stated the need to expand economic empowerment programs, particularly for women entrepreneurs and those in leadership roles.
“Through initiatives like the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project, we are increasing access to education and economic opportunities for women. We must continue dismantling barriers that hinder women from achieving financial independence,” Nalumango said.
Despite notable progress, Vice President Nalumango acknowledged the persistent economic disparities between men and women.
She called for sustained efforts to close the gender gap, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurship.
“The time for action is now. We must ensure that women have equal access to leadership positions, financial resources, and decision-making spaces. Gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity for our nation’s development,” she urged.
She also emphasized Zambia’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and the global agenda for gender equality.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, we recognize that true gender equality requires collective action. Let us stand together to end gender-based violence, close the leadership gap, and create a Zambia where every woman and girl can reach her full potential,” she stated.
The event, attended by civic leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to empowering women and girls as a cornerstone of national development.
Meanwhile, Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as the country joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Speaking at the national commemoration event, Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
“It is my honour and privilege to address you on this momentous occasion of International Women’s Day. This is a time to celebrate the resilience and achievements of women and girls while reaffirming our commitment to building a Zambia where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive,” she said.
Vice President Nalumango highlighted Zambia’s progress in promoting women’s rights through policy and legislative reforms.
She reiterated the government’s efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women.
“The Zambia we envision is one where every girl has access to quality education, where women actively participate in decision-making, and where all individuals enjoy their rights freely and equally,” she stated.
She further commended President Hakainde Hichilema for prioritizing gender-responsive policies, including the Revised National Gender Policy, which aims to address disparities and promote equal opportunities.
“Significant strides have been made in closing the gender gap in education and ensuring that girls remain in school. We are committed to ending child marriage and addressing early pregnancies, which remain key barriers to girls’ empowerment,” she noted.
The Vice President also outlined the government’s investments in maternal and reproductive healthcare and measures to combat gender-based violence.
“Our government has strengthened healthcare infrastructure, improved maternal and child health services, and taken firm action to protect women and girls from gender-based violence. However, we must do more to ensure that survivors receive adequate support and justice,” she stated.
She further stated the need to expand economic empowerment programs, particularly for women entrepreneurs and those in leadership roles.
“Through initiatives like the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project, we are increasing access to education and economic opportunities for women. We must continue dismantling barriers that hinder women from achieving financial independence,” Nalumango said.
Despite notable progress, Vice President Nalumango acknowledged the persistent economic disparities between men and women.
She called for sustained efforts to close the gender gap, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurship.
“The time for action is now. We must ensure that women have equal access to leadership positions, financial resources, and decision-making spaces. Gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity for our nation’s development,” she urged.
She also emphasized Zambia’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and the global agenda for gender equality.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, we recognize that true gender equality requires collective action. Let us stand together to end gender-based violence, close the leadership gap, and create a Zambia where every woman and girl can reach her full potential,” she stated.
The event, attended by civic leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to empowering women and girls as a cornerstone of national development.
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