By MONICA KAYOMBO/Zambia/Lusaka
BOARD Chairperson of the Media Initiative for Women in Zambia (MIWOZ), Pati Mwase, has challenged the organization to stay focused on promoting the rights of women, girls, and children and empowering them in leadership roles. Speaking to MIWOZ staff on Friday, Ms Mwase emphasized that the glaring statistics on women’s participation in governance and the media fraternity call for urgent attention.
According to data from the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS), women representation in Parliament stands at 14 percent, with 25 percent holding senior positions in cabinet, 12 percent representation in local government, and 30 percent in the civil service. Ms Mwase noted that the percentage of women holding management positions in the media is also very low, although there are no official statistics.
Ms Mwase also expressed concern over the online harassment and that this increases as the country goes to polls.
Zambia is scheduled to have the general elections this August.
“We have cases of harassment of women, girls, and children, and MIWOZ needs to come up with activities that will enhance the participation of these groups in governance,” Ms Mwase said.
She stressed the importance of MIWOZ contributing to strengthening the capacities of women, girls, and children in responding to climate change, in line with the organization’s 2025-2030 strategic plan.
Ms Mwase commended MIWOZ for its past projects, including empowering people with knowledge on digital advocacy and sensitizing them on submitting feedback on Bill Number 7 to the Technical Committee.
This year, MIWOZ will focus on the project dubbed Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement in Zambia (SCALE), capacitating human rights defenders, Civil Society Organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in civic spaces.
MIWOZ Programmes Manager Gilbert Chisenga said the organization hopes to increase stakeholders’ knowledge on civic advocacy, especially as the country heads towards elections.
MIWOZ Executive Director Hellen Mwale expressed the organization’s determination to deliver on its strategic plan, with the SCALE project addressing issues like cyber-law, the Public Order Act, and electoral reforms in Lusaka, Chipata, and Chingola districts.
