Women Hold the Key to Zambia’s Productivity, Social Stability and Governance Reform

As the Zambia and rest of the world commemorates International Women’s Day today, it is important to recognize the critical role women play in shaping Zambia’s social and economic development.

Women represent slightly over 50% of the total population and contribute significantly to key sectors such as agriculture, where they account for nearly 60–65% of the smallholder labour force that supports national food security.

Women are also central to building strong family systems through marriage partnerships, childbearing and the nurturing of future generations who form the key backbone of human capital development. Stable households contribute to social cohesion and long-term economic stability.

Access to reliable energy remains vital in empowering women by reducing household burdens and enabling greater participation in productive economic activities.

Expanding energy access therefore strengthens the balance between social welfare and economic productivity.

Furthermore, governance reforms such as the proposed Bill 7, which includes the creation of 70 additional parliamentary seats, present an opportunity to enhance proportional representation and widen women’s participation in key decision-making processes.

Empowering women remains essential to inclusive growth, social stability and sustainable national development.