HANZ Commends Increase in Women MPs, Urges Integrity and Gender-Focused Legislation

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, Zambia — The Hope Affirmation Network Zambia (HANZ) has congratulated women elected to represent constituencies in Parliament, describing the increase in the number of female Members of Parliament as a positive development for gender representation in Zambia.

HANZ Executive Director Nakiwe Simpungwe said the organisation, which promotes gender justice, was encouraged by the rise in the number of women elected to Parliament from 25 in the previous National Assembly to 32 in the 14th National Assembly.

Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe

Ms. Simpungwe also welcomed the prospect of additional women joining the National Assembly through the Proportional Representation system, which provides for 20 seats reserved for women.

She said the increased representation of women in Parliament presented an opportunity to advance legislation and policies that respond to the needs of women, girls and children.

“Represent the interests of fellow women, girls, and children well,” Ms. Simpungwe urged the newly elected legislators.

She further called on the women MPs to uphold high standards of integrity, accountability and exemplary conduct, noting that their positions came with significant expectations from the public.

According to Ms. Simpungwe, women legislators were particularly well placed to champion issues affecting women and families because many understood first-hand the challenges women face in their daily lives.

“As mothers, you know first-hand what women go through on a daily basis to keep their families together,” she said, urging the legislators to focus on laws that reflect the aspirations and needs of women and families.

Ms. Simpungwe said it was counting on the newly elected women MPs to use their positions to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and children, and contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

“We are rooting for you. Make us proud,” Ms. Simpungwe said.

The organisation said the growing number of women in the National Assembly was an important step towards strengthening women's participation in national decision-making and ensuring that women's voices are adequately represented in Parliament.