By Monica Kayombo/Zambia, Lusaka,
MEDIA Initiative for Women in Zambia (MIWOZ) has called for increased civic participation among women, young people, girls and persons with disabilities, urging communities to take an active role in governance processes and decisions that affect their lives.
The call was made on Thursday during a community civic engagement meeting held in Mtendere Township, where more than 50 people were invited to participate in discussions aimed at raising awareness about civic rights, participation and governance.
The meeting was attended by MIWOZ Executive Director Hellen Mwale, Board Chairperson Patty Mwase, Programmes Manager Gilbert Chisenga and other staff members, with representatives from CIVICUS also present to witness the engagement.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr Chisenga said MIWOZ was conducting outreach civic engagement campaigns in communities, including Mtendere, targeting women, young people and persons with disabilities.
He said the initiative was aimed at raising awareness about civic participation and addressing the exclusion of these groups, who often remain underrepresented in decision-making processes.
Mr Chisenga encouraged community members to recognise their role in governance and actively participate in issues affecting their welfare and development.
MIWOZ Executive Director Ms Mwale said the organisation remained committed to empowering women, girls, young people and communities to become informed and active participants in civic and governance processes.
She thanked CIVICUS for supporting the empowerment programmes, which have provided opportunities for communities to engage, learn and make their voices heard.
Ms Mwale also urged participants to pay attention to the discussions and share the knowledge gained with their colleagues and communities, emphasising that civic awareness should extend beyond the meeting.
Meanwhile, MIWOZ Board Chairperson Ms Mwase commended the organisation for its efforts towards achieving its objectives of amplifying the voices of women, girls and young people.
She acknowledged the importance of collaboration and support from other stakeholders in advancing the organisation’s mission of promoting inclusive participation and ensuring that marginalised groups have opportunities to contribute to governance and development processes.
Representatives from CIVICUS also encouraged participants to actively engage in civic and governance issues, stressing the importance of citizens taking an interest in decisions that affect their communities.
Held under the theme “My Voice, My Power,” the engagement underscored the importance of individual and collective voices in shaping communities and influencing decisions.
Through such initiatives, MIWOZ continues to promote civic awareness, human rights and inclusive participation, with particular attention to ensuring that women, young people and persons with disabilities are not left behind in governance and development processes.
