Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon Nelly B K Mutti, SC., MP, FAPRA has called on female politicians and the women’s movement to be united in order to drive the transformative change of increasing representation of women in decision-making.

Speaking when she officially opened the Annual General Meeting of the Zambia Women’s Parliamentary Caucus on Saturday, 23rd November, 2024 at Twalumba Hotel, Speaker Mutti entreated female parliamentarians not to be divided by political calls because it would weaken the collective influence and also perpetuate stereotypes which deter potential female leaders from entering politics.

She noted with concern that, despite women constituting 51 percent of Zambia’s population, they make up less than 15 percent of the numbers in Parliament. The Speaker therefore, encouraged female parliamentarians to emulate the collaborative spirit exhibited by the male Members of Parliament, who go beyond their political affiliations. 

She urged female parliamentarians to foster cordial relationships that would empower women and girls, irrespective of the heated debates and confrontations that occur within the parliamentary setting. 

The Speaker implored the external stakeholders to assist the caucus in amplifying awareness regarding women’s rights and the societal barriers that impede gender parity. She encouraged the parliamentarians to be proactive advocates for policy amendments and legal reforms that target pivotal concerns such as gender-based violence, cyberbullying, equitable opportunities and representation.

And the Chairperson for the Zambia Women Parliamentary Caucus and Minister of Justice, Hon Princes Kasune, MP emphasized the need for the female parliamentarians to be a unified force of advocates, leaders, allies, and change-makers that are committed to driving progress and equality in every corner of society. She stressed that when united, women are a movement that is unstoppable.

She emphasized, the Zambia Women Parliamentary Caucus Annual General Meeting was not a mere meeting but a celebration of resilience, a platform for amplifying voices, and a space for collaboration.  Honourable Kasune invited the female parliamentarians to ignite fresh ideas, bold strategies, and a renewed sense of solidarity. 

During the same occasion, the Deputy Clerk for Corporate Affairs, Mrs Cecilia Sikatele-Mambwe said the Annual General Meeting of the Zambia Women Parliamentary Caucus had been convened to, among others, elect the Executive Committee, review the 2024 Annual Report, and to validate the 2025 Work Plan. 

She highlighted that, the National Assembly of Zambia Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2026 had prioritized gender as a cross-cutting theme, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to mainstreaming gender in all its interventions. 

Mrs Mambwe further stated that the Annual General Meeting was a representation of an important milestone in further strengthening the Caucus's role in advancing gender equality and empowering women across the nation.
The Zambia Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was established in 1997 as a follow-up to the SADC seminar on ‘practical gender equality, from dialogue to action’, held in Windhoek, Namibia in 1997.  The caucus comprises of all female Members of the National Assembly of Zambia.