Women Politicians In Zambia

"During our campaigns, we emphasized our commitment to bringing development closer to the people. Our party manifesto highlights the importance of decentralization, aiming to make community-centered development a reality. We want communities themselves to decide which projects should be prioritized and implemented locally. Decentralizing the disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund to the local level is, therefore, a positive step forward. In fact, the 2022 National Budget aligns with our party’s manifesto."

"Previously, we relied on the Central Government to release funds for development projects, even for constructing small clinics. The process was slow, requiring us to wait for approvals, which often led to significant delays. When a project’s completion is delayed, it can stall entirely, turning many initiatives into "white elephants." However, this time, we anticipate seeing the much-needed development proceed more effectively."

"The perception that only members of the ruling party should benefit from empowerment programs should end with the previous regime. We want all Zambians to benefit from government empowerment initiatives. Equitable distribution of national resources is essential for unity, and as the UPND, we aim to avoid discrimination based on political affiliation because we are all Zambians."

"I decided to stop by and check the office, but before doing anything inside, I inspected the premises. When I looked at the door, I discovered fecal matter on the lock handle and saw more of it heaped on the floor. I took pictures of the situation and sent them to the MP. After that, I contacted the police, who came and witnessed the same incident. I then formally reported the matter to the police."

"The conference, set to host over 60 attendees, will bring together scholars, former freedom fighters, surviving veterans from the independence era, children of freedom fighters, and members of the public. The media will also be invited to participate and cover the event, given their key role in educating and informing the public on topics crucial to the nation’s political history and development."

"As a mother and someone with roots in Chiengi, it pains me to see how the area has remained underdeveloped despite its immense potential."

"As you may know, for a district to achieve meaningful socio-economic development, it is essential to provide infrastructure such as roads for the transportation of goods, services, and people."

"Another area I am deeply passionate about is the education of the people in the region. Without an educated populace, it becomes challenging for them to actively participate in the development of their community."

"Consequently, many children and grandchildren know little about the contributions made by others in the struggle for political freedom. This conference seeks to spotlight some of these forgotten heroes and heroines, ensuring they receive recognition and secure a rightful place in the country’s political history."

"The reason we struggle to engage with our opponents is due to the mentality we have we view them as enemies. I support him as long as he’s happy. At home, he supports Manchester United, and I support Arsenal. When we watch the game, we just enjoy it, saying, "Oh, your team lost, hard luck!""

"Africa has the potential to break free from the constraints of its past."

"There is growing recognition that enhancing the environment, protecting human rights, and addressing corruption can positively influence economic growth."

"Namwala was scheduled to receive its initial shipment of relief food from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit within the Vice-President's office in July."

"Observing recent developments in the country, it seems evident that the government lacks commitment to achieving the Southern African Development Community (SADC) declaration for 30% representation of women."

"Zambia's historical narrative has largely been shaped by the perspectives of the nation’s early independence leaders, often sidelining or misrepresenting the roles and contributions of other influential figures."

"The conference will feature a series of presentations over two days, exploring subjects such as the historical contributions of forgotten heroes and heroines, honoring Zambia's early political freedom pioneers, showcasing the impact of lesser-known freedom fighters, analyzing the important role women played in the liberation movement, and examining significant sites and events that served as landmarks in Zambia’s struggle for independence."

"I am pleased to report that the government has performed well this year in implementing various development programs, and we are confident that even greater economic progress will be achieved in the coming year."

"The extensive infrastructure development the country has achieved is remarkable and demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the welfare of all citizens."

"My ministry and I remain committed to ensuring the successful implementation of phases two and three of the digital migration project."

"As long as I serves as Minister of Health, there will be no further scandals within the ministry."

"A complete overhaul is needed in the ministry, where issues include individuals being scammed into paying large sums to secure jobs."

"I assure the public that I will not tolerate any corruption in the process, and every qualified Zambian can be confident that their opportunity will come."

"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a significant threat to global health security. In the first week of 2023 alone, nearly 3 million cases and over 11,000 deaths were reported worldwide. During this period, the African region recorded over 4,500 cases and eight deaths. The current surge in COVID-19 cases is attributed to a sub-variant of the Omicron virus known as XBB. As you may recall, COVID-19 continuously evolves, creating new variants as it spreads globally. Similar to Omicron, XBB is highly transmissible; in Zambia, we have confirmed that this variant is driving the recent rise in cases."

"I will advocate the extension of the maternity leave from three to six months or more because women have seriously been underserved by medical systems that are supposed to give them both equity and confidence in their healthcare."

"The government is exploring plans to upgrade the 42-kilometer Luanshya-Kafulafuta Road into a dual carriageway. This road links the Lusaka-Ndola Road at Masangano, located less than 20 kilometers from Ndola, and connects to the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway via Luanshya."

"Copperbelt rural is underdeveloped because of a lack of quality leadership and a concerned President."

"Zambia needs to reconsider its mining model to ensure that the revenue generated from mining operations is reinvested back into the country."

"Zambia must start exploring ways to harness its wealth. As the New Heritage Party, we believe the time has come for our nation to seek solutions that truly benefit Zambia."

"I feel I’ve reached a point in my life where I find greater fulfillment in what I’m doing now than ever before. I believe I can make a positive impact on a wider circle of people than in any of my previous roles."

"Zambian politics, like in many countries, stands at a crossroads. On one side is the old, self-serving approach that has held us back, and on the other is a new kind of politics one focused on progress rather than personalities, revenge, or name-calling. This fresh approach is what Zambia needs, and it is already emerging. The New Heritage Party, along with a few other parties, is committed to this vision. That’s why one of the five pillars in our plan is to foster a new breed of leadership. A shift in thinking is essential to addressing the challenges our country currently faces."

"I view this as a calling, and like any calling, it requires grace to fulfill. As a female politician, I do face unique challenges that my male counterparts may not experience. However, I’ve encountered fewer of these obstacles compared to younger female politicians. I can recall only two instances where I received highly offensive, sexually charged comments. Beyond that, the challenges I face are similar to those encountered by politicians in general."

"Every society has seven key pillars that shape its culture: the financial/business sector, education, family, religion, entertainment and arts, media, and government. While all of these are significant, government and religion are the most influential. If I had to choose only one, it would be government, as its impact reaches all these areas swiftly and decisively. When individuals who are ill-equipped assume government leadership, the consequences can be devastating, affecting generations. The dependency syndrome we see today can be traced back to the era of the one-party state. In short, more capable people need to step forward to serve at this level, or we risk being led by those lacking the necessary competence. That’s precisely what I’m striving to do."

"For some reason, it seems that women face more criticism than men. It’s well-known that women in politics around the world encounter unique challenges, such as limited financial resources to support their careers, intimidation—often from male counterparts and both sexual and verbal harassment, as statistics reveal."

"I will prioritize engaging with traditional leaders and work to ensure unity."

"In the Judiciary, we currently have more women than men, reflecting our progress as women. As many of you know, women make up about 51 percent of the country’s population, and according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia's 2021 register, around 53 percent of voters are women."

"Each of us is the captain of our own life. Live with positivity, remind yourself that you are beautiful, intelligent, and destined for greatness. Aim high, remove negativity from your life, and let go of people who bring you down, because the world may try to tell you otherwise."

"Even (Michael Chiluf Sata) came from the MMD before forming his own party. If people hadn’t left the MMD and other parties like UNIP to join him, he wouldn’t have won the 2011 elections, because winning is about numbers."

"The claim that MMD has taken over PF is not true. Even within UPND today, there are more people from PF. GBM was in both PF and MMD, and Guy Scott was also in PF and MMD."

"Newcomers should feel at ease, as they are welcome. They have already renounced their previous party. It is only those who haven't renounced their former parties that need to be treated with caution."

"The decision is final, and no amount of pressure from anyone will compel the PF government to alter its position on the matter."

"Africa seems to be attracting more and more investment. Within this context, Zambia seems to be doing quite well with a very fast growing economy. Tourism seems to be one of the promising sector of the country. As a country, in 2012 we had about 800 059 tourists arrivals and in 2014, the number went up to 900 014, there was an increase in the arrivals of tourists in Zambia."

"As a Ministry we would like to tap into the Chinese market in terms of tourists. They have a large number of tourists. We are also working on partnering with Seychelles since they have an expanse of water but they do not have game parks. In Zambia we have about 20 game parks and therefore, when people visit the vast waters on the beaches of Seychelles, they could fly directly to Zambia and enjoy wildlife viewing. Zambia is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Seychelles to implement this."

"I am confident I will retain my seat. In 2011, I received the highest number of votes nationwide, with 87 percent of the total vote, so my chances are strong as long as my party nominates me. I am also confident they will, as they know I need to complete my term."

"The voters trust me, and I have a strong relationship with the traditional leaders in the constituency, so I believe my chances of retaining my seat are high."

"Despite global economic challenges that have also impacted Zambia, the government has made commendable progress in its efforts to improve the livelihoods of all citizens."

"Teachers in Chadiza district were commended for not resorting to industrial action, despite having similar grievances as other teachers in the province."

"Some teachers in Eastern Province, especially in Petauke, have joined the sit-in protest alongside colleagues from other regions to urge the government for better working conditions and the payment of rural and remote hardship allowances."

"My office will meet with school authorities to determine the way forward."

"I recommended that smallholder farmers focus on food security and seek loans and grants to obtain farming equipment, particularly in light of recent droughts that have impacted many areas of the country."

"The President observed that some senior civil servants were not following proper procedures and had negative mindsets."