NGOCC Congratulates Princess Kasune on Historic Appointment as Minister of Justice
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed immense pride and joy at the appointment of Princess Kasune as Zambia’s first-ever female Minister of Justice.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Ms. Kasune, NGOCC Board Chairperson Grace Manyonga-Sinkamba hailed the historic appointment, emphasizing the women’s movement’s confidence in Ms. Kasune’s capabilities.
“We are so happy that you are a Minister of Justice. NGOCC is happy and proud of this appointment. We are so elated that you are the first-ever female Minister of Justice. We are here today to congratulate you…we couldn’t wait for this day to come. We know that this is a huge responsibility placed upon your shoulder, but we know that you are equal to the task,” said Ms. Sinkamba.
Ms. Sinkamba further stressed the expectation that Ms. Kasune would lead transformational legal reforms promoting gender equality. “We expect justice to be delivered through policies that will uplift and advance women’s empowerment. We expect to see policies that are gender-sensitive, gender-responsive…we need to push together because your appointment is our appointment. We need to work together to ensure that Zambia becomes a different country.”
Highlighting the significance of gender equality in the justice system, Ms. Sinkamba said, “Justice means gender equality. There should be no discrimination between women and men. Justice means no violation of human rights, no abuse, and no marginalization. We are right behind you, and we are so proud that you are Minister of Justice.”
In response, Ms. Kasune reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to gender equality and collaboration with NGOCC. She emphasized that her ministry will work tirelessly with NGOCC to address concerns affecting both men and women.
Highlighting the critical role of women in leadership, Ms. Kasune noted that development is more achievable when women are in decision-making positions. She reiterated that issues of human rights and gender equality are paramount, and despite the focus on advocating for women, men will not be left out of these initiatives.
Ms. Kasune further expressed her ministry’s openness and dedication to ongoing support, emphasizing the goal of seeing more women in leadership roles by 2026. She assured NGOCC of the ministry’s continued commitment to promoting policies that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“We remain open as a ministry and will continue to commit our support because we want to see more women in leadership come 2026,” said Ms. Kasune.
The NGOCC delegation included Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) Board Chairperson Senior Counsel Daisy Ng’ambi, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) President Ms. Patricia N. Mubanga, and National Legal Aid Clinic for Women (NLACW) Executive Director, Senior Counsel Mandy Manda.
