NGOCC bemoan reduced representation of women in leadership
By Staff Reporter
Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has bemoaned the reduction in the number of women in leadership positions in government following the dismissal of Margaret Mwanakatwe as finance minister.
NGOCC Chairperson Mary Mulenga said the dismissal of Mwanakatwe as well as revocation of Mumbi Phiri’ nomination as member of parliament should have been replaced with other capable women to maintain the number of women in decision making positions.
Mulenga stated that Zambia was a signatory to statutes such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Gender Protocol that requires the 50 – 50 representation of both women and men in decision making positions.
The NGOCC chairperson has appealed to those in leadership positions to be exemplary in carrying out their duties at all levels.
“While the Head of State has the prerogative to appoint and disappoint, the recent reshuffles are without doubt revealing on President Edgar Lungu’s commitment to the attainment of Gender parity for women in decision making positions.”, she said.
“Article 69 of the Republican Constitution is instructive on nominations to Parliament by the President and we quote: “The President may nominate a person referred to in Article 68 (2) (b) where the President considers it necessary to enhance the representation of special interests, skills or GENDER in the National Assembly”.
President Edgar Lungu has terminated the appointment of Mwanakatwe as Minister of Finance and has revoked the nomination of Phiri to Parliament.
Mwanakatwe has since been replaced with former Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Operations Dr. Bwalya Ngándu.