Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Gender and Child Development Minister Nkandu Luo
Five political parties have pledged to uphold the importance of gender equality as key to the political social and economic development of the country and democracy.
And Gender and Child Development Minister Nkandu Luo has expressed concern about the continuing gender inequalities in the country and in political parties.
Professor Luo has lamented the failure by successive governments and political party leaders to fulfill the requirements of the SADC protocol on gender and development which urges women participation in decision making positions in the public and private sector.
Professor Luo says women should be given a fair opportunity to participate at all levels of decision making because they are also capable of delivering their best.
She has also stressed the need for the media to begin reporting on women issues in a positive manner as a way of encouraging them to progress in their future endeavors.
Professor Luo says it is disheartening to see that only women are reported on negatively regardless of what they do.
And in a communiqué, five political parties have resolved to prioritize the review of their constitutions,manifesties and other internal rules and regulations as part of the preparations for 2016 tripartite elections with the purpose of making them gender responsive without any further delay.
The parties have also committed to developing gender policies aimed at addressing gender inequalities currently existing in party structures.
They have further promised to work with the media in helping profile women and enhance the image of women candidates as capable leaders in society.
The five political parties include the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front and the United Party for National Development (UPND).