WOMEN ARE POWERFUL

AS Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day, it is prudent for the citizens to take deep reflection on the contribution the womenfolk have continued to make towards development.

The commemoration should not just pass as a routine activity on the calendar, but it must be commemorated for what it is: recognising women and appreciating their valuable contribution to development of humanity.

Many a time, march-pasts, elaborate speeches and merry-making characterise this important occasion, without deep reflection on the meaning and what should be done in order to place the women at the core of the developmental agenda.

Immediately the commemorations come to an end, all citizens and women themselves coil back to their daily chores, without any follow-ups on the suggestions and recommendations.

Speeches reverberate across the globe, but little or no tangible action follows.

Therefore, there is need for a paradigm shift this time around to ensure that the speeches and recommendations are followed by practical steps to realign the gender imbalances in the country and beyond.

At global level, the United Nations (UN) has coined an appropriate theme: ‘ Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.’

Yes, women have taken a leading role in combating COVID-19 at household, national and international levels and as such ought to be recognised as a determined and inspiring force in eradicating disease and poverty.

Women and girls have demonstrated immense efforts towards shaping a better future for Zambia, during COVID-19 era.

Zambia has a dedicated cadre of medical practitioners, comprising female doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff in health facilities that are handling some of the most delicate cases.

Front-liners in other professions include a good number of women, who have dedicated themselves to duty at great risk.

Elsewhere, women have taken the lead as evidenced in the financial and banking sector with Mizinga Melu heading ABSA Bank, Mukwandi Chibesakunda at the helm of ZANACO and Lowani Chibesakunda who became the first female Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Citibank Zambia in April last year.

In Government circles, women have continued to excel and include Vice- President Inonge Wina, Chief Justice, Irene Mambilima, Director of Public Prosecution, Lillian Siyuni, Financial Intelligence Centre Director Mary Chirwa. among others

At regional level, Zambia has Chileshe Kapwepwe as Secretary-General at COMESA, a coveted position in promoting regional economic growth and integration.

It is important, therefore, to recognise women as equal partners in development.

Women must not be subjected to stigma, stereotypes, violence and other negative aspersions, but should be given equal, if not more, opportunities in leadership and other influential positions.

Sadly, women are underrepresented in decision-making and public positions, as pointed out by the recent UN Secretary-General’s report.

According to the UN, women are Heads of State or Government in 22 countries and that only 24.9 per cent of parliamentarians are women.

The UN adds that going by the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government will take another 130 years.

How sad!

At local level, therefore, Zambians must move a step forward in recognising and respecting women as an integral part of national growth.

Women on their part, should work extra hard and encourage the few that are failing and whose integrity has been brought into question, to rediscover themselves and join their high-fling counterparts.