Zambian National Women's Lobby

Last updated

Zambian National Women's Lobby
Founded20 July 1991
HeadquartersLusaka
Website
www.womenslobby.org.zm

The Zambian National Women's Lobby (NWLG, National Women's Lobby Group, ZNWL) is a Zambian organization whose mission is to "bridge the gender gap in political decision making by advocating for increased women's participation and representation". [1] The Lobby was created following Zambia's transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy in 1990. At the time, only seven women served in the Parliament of Zambia out of 150 seats, and only three women served on the Central Committee, the equivalent of today's Presidential Cabinet. The official motto of ZNWL is "WIZER" which stands for "Women in Zambia for Equality Representation". [2]

Contents

Women's organization history

The First Women's Rights Conference in Zambia took place in 1970, under the UNIP Women's Brigade, which was renamed 'The Women's League' in 1975. [3] [4] The League had their own constitution and a Presidentialy elected executive secretary who became an automatic member of the Central Committee of United National Independence Party. The Central Committee representative was responsible for the representation of all women's affairs in the Government. [5] The Women's League promoted a return to traditionalism and an expectation that League members would help men achieve political power, which caused some women to protest such ideas.

In March 1985, The Second Women's Rights Conference was held on the Copperbelt with [Mama Betty Kaunda] addressing 135 participants. Issues discussed in the three days conference were deemed non-reflective of the League's aims. By the 1990s, The League had become unpopular and saw the birthing of ZNWL in 1991 [6] .

The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) emerged as another political party with a women's branch. The formation of the MMD encouraged many Zambian women to enter politics and seek equality. MMD appealed to professional women to advocate for gender equality and societal transformation. [7]

Formation

ZNWL was founded on 20 July 1991 in Lusaka at the Young Women's Christian Association Centre (YWCA) following a meeting that comprised well educated middle class women . [8] [9] The NWLG alongside the church, law society, the independent press and other movements, added their voice towards moving Zambia from a one party state to a multi - party state in 1990 and has used its space to open up a dialogue toward fuller consideration of women's issues including, promoting the equal participation of women in the political decision-making process, promoting a culture of gender equality and respect for the human rights of women through changes in attitudes, language, procedure and laws, and having more women politicians through affirmative action. [10] Unlike MMD or The Women's League, ZNWL was non-governmental. ZNWL lobbied for political advancement of women and supported women running in local elections. ZNWL was not endorsed by the UNIP or MMD, as it was seen as the opposition. [11] By 1995, there were 2,000 members. [12]

Impact

Since its inception, the NWLG has become one of the leading forces for women's rights in Zambia, and has been formally recognized by the government as the lead NGO for these issues. ZNWL is credited with being a major contributor in Zambia's democracy as it encouraged women to contest multi-party elections. [13] The organization has been active in a number of international workshops, and has been duplicated in countries like South Africa and Botswana. [14]

In 2014, the United States Embassy gave a $25,000 grant to develop the Full Participation Fund (FPF). [15] The FPF raised awareness about women in politics and encouraged dialogue between FPF participants and members of Parliament. The women who participated also received trainings on how to address issues affecting women and educational programs.

In 2016, President Edgar Lungu appointed eight women into his Cabinet, which was praised by ZNWL Executive Director Juliet Chibuta. [16]

In 2017, the Zambia Accountability Programme (ZAP) partnered with ZNWL to produce a documentary called Mothering Zambia which highlighted the work both organizations were doing to address the problem of the lack of women's participation in politics. [17]

Notes

  1. ↑ Royal Tropical Library (KIT) website
  2. ↑ Kikamba, Lubosi (2012). "The role of women's organisations in the political development of Zambia,1964–2001: a case study of the UNIP women's league and the Zambia National Women's Lobby Group" (PDF).
  3. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (1987). "Sisters under the Skin: Women and the Women's League in Zambia". The Journal of Modern African Studies. 25 (1): 43–66. ISSN   0022-278X.
  4. ↑ "Gender And Politics: The Zambia National Women's Lobby Group In The 2001 Tripartite Elections", One Zambia, Many Histories, BRILL, pp. 259–274, 1 January 2008, retrieved 2 December 2021
  5. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (1987). "Sisters under the Skin: Women and the Women's League in Zambia". The Journal of Modern African Studies. 25 (1): 43–66. ISSN   0022-278X.
  6. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (1987). "Sisters under the Skin: Women and the Women's League in Zambia". The Journal of Modern African Studies. 25 (1): 43–66. ISSN   0022-278X.
  7. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (2006). "'A Second Liberation': Lobbying for Women's Political Representation in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia". Journal of Southern African Studies. 32 (1): 69–84. ISSN   0305-7070.
  8. ↑ Liatto‐Katundu, Beatrice (24 February 2007). "The women's lobby and gender relations in Zambia". dx.doi.org/10.1080/03056249308703987. doi:10.1080/03056249308703987 . Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  9. ↑ Liatto-Katundu, Beatrice; Liatto-Katundo, Beatrice (1993). "The Women's Lobby and Gender Relations in Zambia". Review of African Political Economy (56): 79–83. ISSN   0305-6244.
  10. ↑ Liatto-Katundu, Beatrice; Liatto-Katundo, Beatrice (1993). "The Women's Lobby and Gender Relations in Zambia". Review of African Political Economy (56): 79–83. ISSN   0305-6244.
  11. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (2006). "'A Second Liberation': Lobbying for Women's Political Representation in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia". Journal of Southern African Studies. 32 (1): 69–84. ISSN   0305-7070.
  12. ↑ Liatto‐Katundu, Beatrice (1993). "The women's lobby and gender relations in Zambia". Review of African Political Economy. 20 (56): 79–83. doi:10.1080/03056249308703987. ISSN   0305-6244.
  13. ↑ Geisler, Gisela (2006). "'A Second Liberation': Lobbying for Women's Political Representation in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia". Journal of Southern African Studies. 32 (1): 69–84. ISSN   0305-7070.
  14. ↑ Lubosi, Kikamba (2012). "The role of women's organisations in the political development of Zambia,1964–2001: a case study of the UNIP women's league and the Zambia National Women's Lobby Group" (PDF).
  15. ↑ "U.S. Government Awards $25,000 to the Zambia National Women's Lobby". U.S. Embassy in Zambia. 8 September 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  16. ↑ "Zambia Group Hails Appointment of Female Cabinet Ministers | Voice of America – English". Voice of America. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  17. ↑ "Increasing women's representation in politics in Zambia | British Council". www.britishcouncil.org. Retrieved 11 May 2020.

Related Research Articles

Kenneth Kaunda First president of Zambia (1924–2021)

Kenneth David Kaunda, also known as KK, Africa's Gandhi, was a Zambian politician who served as the first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule. Dissatisfied with Harry Nkumbula's leadership of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress, he broke away and founded the Zambian African National Congress, later becoming the head of the United National Independence Party (UNIP). He was the first president of the independent Zambia. In 1973 following tribal and inter-party violence, all political parties except UNIP were banned through an amendment of the constitution after the signing of the Choma Declaration. At the same time, Kaunda oversaw the acquisition of majority stakes in key foreign-owned companies. The 1973 oil crisis and a slump in export revenues put Zambia in a state of economic crisis. International pressure forced Kaunda to change the rules that had kept him in power. Multi-party elections took place in 1991, in which Frederick Chiluba, the leader of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy, ousted Kaunda.

This article deals with the history of the country now called Zambia from prehistoric times to the present.

Politics of Zambia Political system of Zambia

The politics of Zambia takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Zambia is head of state, head of government and leader of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. Formerly Northern Rhodesia, Zambia became a republic immediately upon attaining independence in October 1964.

Movement for Multi-Party Democracy Zambian political party, dominate 1991-2011

The Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) also known as New Hope MMD is a political party in Zambia. Originally formed to oust the previous government, MMD controlled an absolute majority in parliament between 1991 and 2001, when its past leader, Frederick Chiluba was President of Zambia. Its election into power in 1991 ended the 27-year rule of President Kenneth Kaunda and his United National Independence Party (UNIP). It remained the dominant party within Zambian politics until the general elections of September 2011.

President of Zambia Head of state of Zambia

The president of Zambia is the head of state and the head of government of Zambia. The office was first held by Kenneth Kaunda following independence in 1964. Since 1991, when Kaunda left the presidency, the office has been held by seven others: Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu and the current president Hakainde Hichilema, who won the 2021 presidential election. In addition, acting president Guy Scott served in an interim capacity after the death of President Michael Sata.

United National Independence Party Political party in Zambia

The United National Independence Party (UNIP) is a political party in Zambia. It governed the country from 1964 to 1991 under the socialist presidency of Kenneth Kaunda, and which was the sole legal party between 1973 and 1990. On 4 April 2021, Bishop Trevor Mwamba was elected President of UNIP.

Elections in Zambia Political elections for public offices in Zambia

Elections in Zambia take place within the framework of a multi-party democracy and a presidential system. The President and National Assembly are simultaneously elected for five-year terms.

Rupiah Banda Zambian politician

Rupiah Bwezani Banda is a Zambian politician who was the fourth president of Zambia from 2008 to 2011.

Mulungushi Rock of Authority, also known as Mulungushi Rock, is a kopje in the Central Province of Zambia associated with major political gatherings and speeches. Situated near the Mulungushi River north of Kabwe, it was first used in 1958 for a rally of the Zambian African National Congress and then in 1960 for the first conference of the newly-formed United National Independence Party. Since 1964, it has been regularly used by political parties for their annual conventions and meetings. A national symbol, the Rock of Authority is called "the birthplace of Zambian independence".

2008 Zambian presidential election

Presidential elections were held in Zambia on 30 October 2008 following the death of the incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa on 19 August 2008, as the elections had to be called within 90 days of his death. It was expected that there would be internal problems within the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) as Mwanawasa had not declared a successor prior to his death, but Acting President Rupiah Banda was selected as the MMD's candidate without apparent problems. Michael Sata stood as the candidate of the Patriotic Front (PF), while Hakainde Hichilema stood as the candidate of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Godfrey Miyanda stood as the candidate of the Heritage Party.

The National Convention was an alliance of political parties in South West Africa. It was formed in 1971 when the International Court of Justice ruled that South African rule in Namibia was illegal, and it consisted of various pro-independence groups and parties, including the South West Africa National Union (SWANU), the South West Africa Peoples Organization (SWAPO) and the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) formed the National Convention as a united front against South African rule. Clemens Kapuuo was its first head.

Enoch P. Kavindele is a Zambian businessman and politician who served as the seventh vice-president of Zambia from 2001 until 2003.

Reuben Chitandika Kamanga was a Zambian freedom fighter, politician and statesman. He was educated at Munali Secondary School.

Jethro Mukenge Mutti, was a Zambian politician who between the years 1964 to 1975 served as Member of Parliament, Ambassador, Minister and Member of the Central Committee under the ruling party UNIP led by Kenneth Kaunda. He died on 18 January 2013 after suffering from aspiration pneumonia following a series of mini strokes and poor health in the last few years of his life, linked to his tetraplegic condition.

Lucy Banda-Sichone (1954–1998) was a Zambian civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in representing the Zambian people who had their rights violated by the State at the time. Born and raised in Zambia's second largest city, Kitwe, she became the first Zambian woman to receive a Rhodes Scholarship and also the first woman to have her portrait displayed on the walls of Oxford University’s prestigious Rhodes House.

Nakatindi Yeta Nganga (1922–1972) was a Lozi aristocrat and Zambian politician. Jointly one of the first women elected to the National Assembly, she was also the country's first female junior minister.

The ZANU–PF Women's League is the women's wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front, the ruling political party of Zimbabwe. It was founded in 1977 by Zimbabwe African National Union nationalists in Xai-Xai, Mozambique. Founding members were said to include Mavis Chidzonga, Oppah Muchinguri, Joice Mujuru, Naomi Nhiwatiwa, and Julia Zvobgo, among others. The first ZANU Women's Congress was held in Mozambique in 1978; there, Sally Mugabe was elected Deputy Secretary of the Women's League. The Women's League held its first conference from 15–17 March 1984, before the ZANU Congress which occurred several months later. The Women's League put forward Joice Mujuru as a candidate for Vice-President in 2004, an office she held for ten years. First Lady Grace Mugabe was head of the league from 2014 until her expulsion from the party amidst the 2017 coup d'état.

Koegas mine Mine in Northern Cape, South Africa

The Koegas mine was a crocidolite mine in Northern Cape, South Africa. It lies near to the town of Prieska and drew much of its workforce from there and Griquatown; though significant proportions also came from Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The mine was opened by Cape Asbestos Company Limited in 1893. Its small-scale operations were unprofitable and it temporarily ceased work in 1903. Production resumed in 1907 and the First World War led to a boom. The mine eventually became the largest crocidolite mine in the world. After a difficult period during the Great Depression the Second World War and post-war economic boom led to an increase in production, with up to 5,000 miners on site. Extraction and milling of asbestos continued until 1979.

The Organization of Mozambican Women is the women's section of FRELIMO. Founded in 1973, during the Mozambican War of Independence, in recognition of women's growing roles in the conflict against Portuguese colonialism, the OMM was created as a non-military structure to promote women's education, emancipation and mobilization. Following independence in 1975, the OMM focussed on issues related to women's education, ethnic division, divorce, family planning, amantismo, prostitution, and alcoholism. In 1990, the OMM voted to separate from FRELIMO, although shortly thereafter, the organization re-affiliated.

Monica Nanyangwe Chintu was a Zambian politician, one of Zambia's first female politicians.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.