WIDNet

Parliamentary Caucus Salutes Womens Lobby

By Nelson Banda The Women ‘s Parliamentary Caucus said information sharing among women Members of Parliament is very important because it gives them opportunities to exchange ideas on how they represent the voiceless women in constituencies. Speaking at the Information Sharing Forum for women Members of Parliament, Caucus Chairperson, Regina Musokotwane, said gender disparities in decision making has continued to remain pervasive in Zambia. "At no time in the political development history of the country have women been numerically at par with men at various decision making levels." she said. The gender gap has continued to widen at all levels of decision making and non decision making, and women bear the gap and most direct cost of decision making She explained that there is need to start strategizing on how best women Members of Parliament could support each other adding that "the meeting presented an important opportunity for us to network in an informal setting " "The participation of women in politics is very cardinal for the development of any community as women are the glue that binds communities in many areas”, she said. She further said women MPs form part of the wider stakeholders in the advancement of women in decision making. She said in 2006 many women demonstrated interest to stand in the election but could not make it. She said this is the best time women MPs should engage political parities to consider them. She added that ZNWL has gone to greater heights to improve the performance of women in decision making at party as well as national levels. “ZNWL recognizes the need to invest and build the capacity of potential women leaders to enhance their performance before they get into decision making." she said. Ms Phiri said apart from conducting trainings, the Women’s Lobby will carry out civic education to sensitize the community on the importance of equal participation of men and women in governance and increase their visibility in the media as potential opinion makers on democratic issues