Zambia Launches First-Ever Police Women’s Leadership Conference to Champion Gender Equality in Policing
The Zambia Police Service (ZPS) has launched its first-ever Police Women’s Leadership National Conference, marking a historic milestone in promoting gender equality and empowering women within the nation’s law enforcement system.
Held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on July 14, 2025, the landmark event was themed “Empowering to Lead: Strengthening Women’s Leadership in the Zambia Police Service.” It was officially opened by First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Her Honour Ms. Malungo A. Chisangano, MP, on behalf of the National Assembly.
In her keynote address, Honourable Chisangano reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to inclusive leadership and praised the Zambia Police Women’s Network for its sustained efforts to uplift women within the service.
“Parliament has a critical role not only in enacting laws but also in modeling inclusivity and promoting gender-responsive policies,” she stated. “Strengthening women’s leadership in the Zambia Police Service is not just the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do.”
She emphasized that building a gender-inclusive police service was essential for delivering justice, peace, and human rights effectively.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Inspector General of Police Mr. Graphel Musamba, Central Province Commissioner of Police Ms. Charity Munganga noted the conference’s importance in addressing the underrepresentation of women in police leadership.
“The number of women in decision-making positions within the service has dropped from 30% in 2019 to 19% in 2025. This decline is concerning and requires urgent redress,” she said.
She described the conference as an opportunity for professional growth and strategic dialogue on mentoring, diversity, and gender-responsive policing, all of which are essential to enhancing community trust and operational effectiveness.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Johan Hallenborg, echoed Sweden’s strong support for gender equality, commending Zambia’s progress in implementing gender-focused reforms in the police service.
“Gender equality means equal rights, equal life prospects, and equal power to shape one’s life and contribute to society,” he said.
Ambassador Hallenborg highlighted Zambia Police’s Gender Equality Workplace Policy, the creation of a dedicated Gender Unit, and the increasing participation of women in the service, now standing at over 33%.
SACCORD Executive Director, Mr. Arthur Muyunda, stressed the vital roles women play in law enforcement as mentors, human rights defenders, and agents of change. He pledged continued support for reforms that advance female leadership and uphold dignity and professionalism in policing.
The conference drew participation from senior female officers, unit commanders, commissioners of police, and international delegates from the Gambia Police Force, reflecting regional solidarity in gender equity initiatives.
It was jointly supported by the Zambia Police Service, the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), and the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD).
Organisers and stakeholders committed to using the outcomes of the conference to develop actionable strategies that will enhance female leadership and contribute to a more inclusive and community-responsive Zambia Police Service.
