NGOCC wants more women appointed to key positions

The women’s movement is pleased with the continued appointment of women to decision making positions by President Edgar Lungu.

In a statement on behalf of the women’s movement, NGOCC Chairperson Sarah Longwe says President Lungu’s recent appointment of six women, including the Vice President to his Cabinet,though not enough, is a step in the right direction towards meeting the SADC Gender Protocol that calls for geneder parity at decision making levels.

Ms Longwe however, notes that given the low levels of women in decision making positions, they expected President Lungu to have nominated more women to his Cabinet.

She says this because the number of women in Cabinet remains unacceptably low,while appreciating the appointments of the first woman Vice President and Mrs Margret Mwanakatwe as Minister of Commerce,Trade and Industry.

Ms Longwe adds that the NGOCC is further disappointed that out of the ten provincial Ministers appointed,none is a woman.

She however says the women’s movement remains hopeful that the President will reconsider and appoint more women especially at the level of Deputy Minister,Permanent Secretary,District Commissioner and Foreign Service.

Ms Longwe further states that Zambia needs a new constitution that will outlaw gender discrimination and promote affirmative action, to remedy the long-standing discrimination against women.