Women Politicians In Zambia

"When I first receive criticism, I go through a thought process. My initial step is to consider the motive behind the feedback. After assessing this, I decide whether to take it to heart and adjust my approach or to disregard it. Being open to constructive criticism is important, as it can lead to growth, unlike destructive criticism."

"Zambia is a sovereign nation, and while our neighboring countries have been engaged in cat hunting, they are not being criticized. As Minister of Tourism, I am aware that those speaking out the most are the ones who lost the bid for hunting blocks and are now lobbying NGOs to halt hunting. I will not entertain such efforts."

"Zambia has been overly reliant on a single crop for too long, with nearly 2 million farming households primarily cultivating maize. To promote crop diversification in 2017, we are introducing a smart subsidy of 75% to support the production of 10 crops, including orange maize, sorghum, millet, groundnuts, cotton, rice, soybeans, and cassava. Previously, the government focused solely on purchasing maize, but now, to encourage private sector involvement, we need to create markets for other crops, especially cassava, which has multiple uses as food, industrial starch, and an export product. A key part of my role is implementing a new communication strategy to help transform Zambia’s food culture."

"The country has long discussed economic diversification, and in September 2016, the president took a significant step by announcing plans for a “green revolution” in parliament. Following this direction, the 2017 budget for agriculture saw a boost of over 158%. For us, diversification means not only shifting the economy from mining to agriculture but transforming the agriculture sector entirely. Currently, 70% of Zambia's workforce is engaged in agricultural activities, yet it only contributes 9% to the GDP. My goal is to increase this to 20% within the next few years by prioritizing investment in research and extension services."

"Lusaka is dirty, and the litter is pervasive. Many of us desire to live in a clean city, free from uncollected garbage and indiscriminate waste disposal. Let’s come together to make this a reality. On August 11, vote for us as your mayor, and we promise to restore cleanliness to Lusaka."

"The indiscriminate disposal of garbage in Lusaka is alarming. Everywhere you turn—west, east, north, or south—there is litter. This is unacceptable. Would you want your home to be filled with garbage and surrounded by foul odors? Of course not. We must prioritize hygiene to stay healthy and fit. It is our responsibility to keep our city clean, not just for ourselves, but also for visitors and future generations."

"All around Lusaka, there's garbage everywhere, and this needs to change as soon as we take office this week. Our beautiful city cannot continue to be overwhelmed by litter."

"PF should understand that no Zambian will enter a polling booth on an empty stomach to cast a vote for them unless something is seriously amiss. People are struggling to put food on the table, and life has become exceedingly expensive. You expect them to vote for you while they are hungry, after you contributed to their suffering? It simply doesn’t work that way."

"The role of the Mayor is now an executive position that requires election to office. As UPND, we want to ensure that the Mayor's office serves the people of Lusaka. We are committed to improving water supply, enhancing road quality, and ensuring reliable electricity. Achieving these goals will involve restructuring Lusaka without completely displacing its residents, as has been seen in the past."

"We aim to establish a financially viable council that can cover its own salaries and build a solid capital base, allowing it to borrow and invest in infrastructure development."

"I envision a Lusaka City Council in the next five years that can contribute to the treasury through tax revenues."

"In recent years, councils have become a black hole where treasury funds are primarily spent on salaries. Our new approach, among other initiatives, will focus on establishing a city council that can engage in capital projects for the councils."

"No one may be compelled to bury their loved one in accordance with the dictates of the State"

"As the mother of the nation, you ought to know how your children are faring. I cannot only concentrate on the people of Lusaka since State House is in Lusaka"

"I want to see to it that women are uplifted; and the physically challenged as well"

"How many First Ladies have experienced what I'm going through? Regardless, God knows."

"We may have to follow man's lead, but God knows there's always light at the end of the tunnel. They cannot take our lives away."

"You don’t need a magician or a prophet to see that PF has lost this election; the odds are stacked against them, and by Thursday, PF will be a thing of the past."

"God is great, and He is our foundation! I will stand firm! We have never taken anything that isn’t ours, and God is aware of this."

"The core of this ambitious program focuses on the ZCCM company, which manages the copper mines, Zambia's primary source of wealth. The program also includes cobalt, emerald, and tin mines. "In the long term, however, it extends to all sectors, including Zambia Airways and Zambia Railways." This is why foreign investment is essential."

"This new law is central to the ongoing economic reforms. Currently, the public sector accounts for 75% of the economy, while the private sector makes up 25%. We have implemented a five-year program aimed at gradually reversing these proportions."

"When you elect us as your mayor, we will make uncollected garbage and indiscriminate waste disposal a thing of the past. We will implement an efficient garbage collection system in Lusaka and hold accountable anyone caught littering. We will launch a sensitization program to educate the public about the dangers of improper waste disposal. Our vision is for a Lusaka where households use dustbins instead of throwing garbage on the streets."

"We are committed to taking swift action."

"This is a foundational law that applies to all sectors of the public economy."

"I am committed to working around the clock to bring hope to the people of Mulobezi."

"Our efforts to establish free trade zones, particularly in Kasumbalesa, are progressing well. The DRC depends heavily on Zambia for its food supply, presenting a substantial market for both major businesses like Zambeef and smaller poultry and egg farmers. We've reached an agreement with the DRC to tackle the informal trade issues along our nearly 1,000 km border, which has complicated formal trade processes. Following discussions with the Minister of Finance, we're looking at ways to formalize this "informal" trade by creating a free trade zone, allowing structured transactions in a unified currency, the dollar. Many companies have been cautious about investing across the border due to regulatory and system concerns in the DRC, but this initiative could open significant new markets and opportunities for Zambia."

"Let us come together to build our beloved nation, Zambia. We must harness all her resources, invest in her human capital, and strategically use the best of her assets to move forward. By learning from other nations, like Rwanda, we can gain insights to propel us toward progress. I also want to express my gratitude to the people of Kasempa and the UPND leadership for their unwavering support."

"I would prioritize improving water and sanitation, as well as paving the Mulobezi/Livingstone road to open up the area. A well-developed road network is essential for economic growth."

"Since childhood, I’ve felt a strong calling to contribute positively to this world, driven by the belief that we are all here to make it better. When people seek roles to provide solutions and uplift others, it benefits everyone. Aspiring leaders should aim to create a paradise on earth, with the belief that our collective efforts can truly make a difference. If we dedicate our time to productivity and community-building, rather than excessive leisure or idle talk, we could all contribute to a better planet. I encourage each of us to reflect on how we allocate our time, focusing more on constructive activities and less on distractions."

"The people of Kasempa share a strong aspiration for an improved quality of life. They envision a district with better services, enhanced road infrastructure, and township roads upgraded to bitumen standards. They hope to see Kasempa featured on ZNBC TV’s "My District" program like other districts nationwide. Residents also seek a more direct route for trade with Lusaka and the Copperbelt, along with job opportunities in both public and private sectors. They call for closer oversight of new mining operations in the area and demand better accountability and transparency from agro-dealers and officials entrusted to serve their community."

"Since taking office in 2016, I have achieved several key developments through effective use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). In 2017, I formed a well-balanced CDF Committee with a woman as vice chairperson. With CDF support, we have renovated and built several 1x2 classroom blocks and funded the completion of the previously stalled Lwamadamba Market. We completed an ablution facility at Kasempa Bus Station, and under my leadership, classrooms at Lufupa Secondary School have also been completed."

"As the MP for Kasempa, my goal through advocacy and lobbying is to push the Government to prioritize and deliver on crucial infrastructure projects, such as upgrading the Kasempa–Kaoma and Kasempa–Mumbwa roads to bitumen standards. This aligns with the Government's assurances under the Link Zambia initiative."

"Kasempa faces significant challenges, including poor road infrastructure connecting it to key markets like Lusaka and districts in the Western Province. Many major feeder roads are in disrepair and difficult to navigate. For example, the Nyoka road, which serves over five wards, is in such poor condition that it poses serious risks to residents' safety."

"I was inspired by the efforts we made together as family and supporters in Lumwana, which brought smiles to people’s faces. Although progress was slow, we started to raise awareness among the smaller mining communities around Kasempa. For me, it has felt like a calling since childhood."

"I am here to serve the people of Kasempa as long as they seek my support. This commitment extends to other forms of service, both within this region and across the nation. I have previously contributed at various levels, including leadership in NGOs and roles in public service, such as serving as Vice Chairperson of the Zambia Tourism Board. Currently, as the UPND MP, I am honored to be Kasempa’s first female representative, working to advance the needs and aspirations of this great community."

"There was a situation of a "zero venture fund zone" aimed at supporting local nationals across all Sub-Saharan African countries, where approximately 70 percent of the population lived in poverty."

"I went to the labor office to submit my maternity leave papers, "Two men there told me to wait outside while they handled it for me."

"People often dislike those who are assertive about their opinions. In our traditional society, men and women are viewed differently, with distinct expectations and values assigned to each gender."

"When I announced my entry into politics, I quickly gained both supporters and detractors, with neither group taking the time to understand my motivations. People don’t hate you personally; they resent your courage and willingness to take bold actions. I believe these reactions were not solely due to my being a woman."

"In Zambia, many male-led parties genuinely advocate for women's equality and their representation in power, which is surprising considering the significant influence that women in civil society have in terms of organizing and voting strength."

"I chose to run for President because I believe that the first country in Africa to address poverty, hunger, and disease while promoting women's participation in decision-making will achieve significant development."

""I waited for hours, sensing something was wrong. During my previous two pregnancies, my leave had been approved within minutes."

"I was pregnant during those protests, and when I sat on the box with the bullets, they didn’t dare touch me— even the colonial police had a certain respect for pregnant women."

"Gender norms and inequalities significantly affect maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Child marriage and discrimination against women and girls contribute to maternal mortality and poor birth statistics in the region, as women's limited control over family resources, along with other social factors, hinders access to antenatal care."

"I consider this medal not as mine alone, but as an honor for the nation, for my late husband who played a vital role in the liberation struggle, and for my children who endured hardships alongside me."

"I have always been drawn to politics, but I pursued a career in the Foreign Service."

"These advancements are evident in the many bills introduced, including the Gender Equity Bill, the Anti-GBV Bill, and legislation concerning marriage and child rights, all of which demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing issues that affect the rights of women and girls in Zambia."

"In 1997, if you had asked me if I would run for the presidency, I would have thought you were crazy. However, as I traveled back and forth from Germany to Zambia and witnessed the economic decline and poverty, I started to rethink my position."

"Please stop this. All you rumor-mongers should understand that this kind of nonsense can seriously damage our party."

"I've concluded that Zambia suffers from a condition I call "CCJ", Complaining, Criticizing, and Jealousy."