Kabwe Member of Parliament, Mrs. Chrizoster Halwiindi Phiri, says Zambia remains committed to promoting women’s participation in public life and governance through strong legislative action and inclusive policymaking.

She said this at the ceremonial opening of the Seminar for Women Parliamentarians themed “Strengthening Cooperation Between Legislative Bodies and the Promotion of the Global Women’s Cause,” held in Beijing, China, on Sunday, 19^th October 2025, where she led the Zambian Parliamentary Delegation.

Mrs. Halwiindi said that Zambia continues to make meaningful strides in empowering women and ensuring their representation in governance and decision-making positions. She noted that over the years, Zambia has enacted progressive laws aimed at promoting gender equality, protecting women’s rights and increasing women’s representation in leadership.

She added that through parliamentary reforms and oversight, Zambia continues to champion initiatives that ensure equal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities for women and girls. Mrs. Halwiindi further stated that empowering women is not merely a matter of justice but a catalyst for national development and social harmony.

She explained that the seminar is being held at the right time, as it provides not only a platform for dialogue but also a space for unity of vision, purpose and shared determination among women parliamentarians across Africa to elevate the role of women in shaping the future of their nations.

Mrs. Halwiindi also stressed that Zambia values its partnership with the People’s Republic of China, whose commitment to advancing the global women’s cause has been evident through the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and initiatives under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). She said the exchange between legislative institutions serves as a vital platform for sharing experiences, strengthening gender-responsive governance and creating frameworks that uplift women across Africa.

“Together, Zambia and China stand as partners in promoting women’s participation in leadership and shaping policies that ensure every woman has the opportunity to thrive, contribute and lead in building a peaceful and prosperous world,” she said.

And speaking during the same event, the Vice Chairperson of the Social Development Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress, Hon. Song Xiuyan, stated that the seminar for African women parliamentarians aims to deepen exchange and cooperation, enhance friendship and consolidate consensus towards implementing the achievements of the Beijing Global Women’s Summit and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation. She further said the National People’s Congress promotes and supervises laws that protect women’s rights and ensure equal participation and benefits for both women and men.

Meanwhile, Hon. Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, MP from Ghana, noted that it was an honour to speak at the opening of such a significant seminar, as it demonstrates the shared commitment of African women legislators to gender equality. She said the theme of the seminar reflects the urgent need for collective action and the strength that comes from working together, stating that no single nation or parliament can achieve gender equality alone.

The Zambian delegation to the seminar is led by Mrs. Chrizoster Halwiindi Phiri, MP and includes Mrs. Brenda Nyirenda, MP, Mrs. Melesiana Phiri, MP and Ms. Sibongile Mwamba, MP.

The Seminar for African Women Parliamentarians is organised by the University of International Business and Economics and sponsored by the National People’s Congress in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

It has brought together over 30 women parliamentarians from eight African countries including Algeria, Burundi, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia.