NGOCC Seeks Increased Female Participation In 2021 Polls

The Non-Governmental Gender Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) is seeking to boost the participation of women in the 2021 elections as part of its broader agenda to promote equality

The group’s executive director Engwase Mwale this week stressed the importance of action in light of the fact that the gender inequality index remains high at 0.63%. while speaking at a media training.

Mwale set out the group’s focus for next year’s election stating, “We want to reinvigorate the network of media partners in promoting women participation in the next year’s general election. We are all aware that Zambia goes to the polls in 2021 and we are going to the polls from a lower level of representation by women, nine percent at local government, 18 percent or less in Parliament.”

“How can we be able to make a difference?” she asked.

“One thing for sure is that the interest by women to get in to politics has actually gone up but obviously, there are quite a number of hurdles that keep relegating the women outside the political agenda. NGOCC has developed a coordinated elections campaign strategy targeting women’s participation in 2021 and beyond. We know that political parties remain the main gate keepers of our political participation so one of the things we have prioritized in this strategy is engaging with political party presidents and political party leaders on seeking their commitments towards adopting a 50-50 percent of women in 2021.”

More broadly Mwale expressed concern that if current levels of inequality persist then women will continue to be missing at the decision making tables, noting the women are lagging behind when it comes to accessing opportunities.

She also stressed the importance of pursuing gender equality in order to achieve sustainable development.