THE Chapter One Foundation (COF) has expressed concerns regarding marginalisation of women in the appointments to high office.
In a statement, COF executive director Linda Kasonde said the lack of female representation, particularly at Cabinet level is not only lamentable, but is also unjustifiable in a nation in which over 50 percent of the population is made up of women.
Ms Kasonde said lack of attention paid by the government in addressing issues of gender equity and equality is alarming and appears to indicate a lack of appreciation for the need for equitable gender representation in government.
She said the trend is in breach of Article 259(1) of the Zambian Constitution and Zambia’s international obligations under the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, specifically Article 12(1), and Article 9(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, which both call for equal representation of women in decision-making positions.
“The Office of the President issued a press release, dated the 25th of September 2023, announcing several appointments, transfers, and a dismissal. Notable of the decisions taken by the President, is the continued marginalisation of women in appointments to high public office, even in the face of opportunity to rectify the worrying situation. Equally worrying is the continued Politicisation of the
public service,” Ms Kasonde said.
She said urgent and deliberate action must be taken by the government to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality.
And Ms Kasonde has supported Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti’s view that the Ministry of Gender should be re-introduced.
“We further call for the Gender Equity and Equality Act be operationalised without further delay,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms Kasonde says the appointment Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana who was a political party functionary in the ruling United Party for National Development Alliance is disturbing as it adds to the politicisation of the public service.
She said the civil service is meant to be occupied by professional, non-partisan public officers who can serve the nation without fear or favour.
“We call upon the Zambian government to pause and reflect on potential and actual implications of these decisions. We believe that jobs in the public service belong to all qualified Zambians, regardless of gender, tribal, or other affiliation in line with our constitutional provisions,” Ms Kasonde said.
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 27th September, 2023)
