Zambian Women’s Delegation in Berlin to Promote Women’s Political Participation

A distinguished seven-member delegation of Zambian women, led by Central Province Minister and Chairperson of the Zambia Women Parliamentarians Caucus in the National Assembly, Hon Princess Kasune, has embarked on a one-week program in Berlin, Germany, with a strong focus on advancing women’s political participation.

In a statement issued by Lubinda Kashewe, First Secretary – Press of Berlin, Germany, this initiative, organized in partnership with the Germany Federal Foreign Office, aims to provide the delegation with a valuable platform for intensive dialogue with key figures from the German Bundestag (Parliament), the German government, and various stakeholders.

Throughout their stay, the delegation will engage with officials from the German Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth, as well as the Bundestag (Federal Parliament). 

They will also hold discussions with the German Minister of Social Affairs and the Minister of State.

Hon Princess Kasune, the head of the delegation, underlined the importance of this exchange, emphasizing that the lessons learned during their time in Germany would be brought back to Zambia for implementation. 

She mentioned that the primary goal of the discussions revolved around addressing the gender gap in governance and politics within Zambia.

Furthermore, Hon Kasune highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to increasing the representation of women at various levels of government, indicating that the President is deeply concerned about the underrepresentation of women in Parliament and in leadership roles. 

She added that the women’s movement would persist in advocating for political parties to adopt quota systems when selecting election candidates to enhance women’s participation.

The delegation also includes distinguished members such as Ms Mainga Kabika, the Permanent Secretary of the Gender Division in the Office of the President; Ms Chilando Chitangala, the Mayor of Lusaka; Hon Brenda Nyirenda, Deputy Chairperson of the Zambia Women Parliamentarians Caucus in the National Assembly; and Ms Chishala Kateka, the President of the New Heritage Party.

Rounding out the group are Ms Mpatanji Namumba, the Executive Director of the Local Government Association of Zambia, and Ms Juliet Chibuta, the Executive Director of the Zambia National Women’s Lobby.

The delegation’s extensive program in Germany will conclude on October 20, 2023.