The opposition National Democratic Congress Party (NDC) has emphasised the crucial role of political will in achieving gender equality in governance, highlighting the need for policies that encourage active participation of both men and women in shaping society’s future.
NDC President, Saboi Imboela, expressed disappointment over the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government’s failure to implement affirmative action strategies to ensure equal representation of men and women in political positions.
Ms. Imboela cited the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender and Child Development by the UPND government in 2021, replacing it with the Gender Division, as evidence of insufficient commitment to gender equality initiatives. She noted ongoing discussions at cabinet level regarding these critical issues.
The NDC leader notes the importance of political will in driving initiatives to educate the public and policymakers about the significance of gender equality in governance. She stressed the benefits of diversity in decision-making and the need to dispel myths and stereotypes hindering women’s participation.
She has urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to international agreements promoting gender equality, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
