NGOCC Reflects on 2024

..Katebe highlights Achievements and Challenges, Calls for Action on Women’s Rights

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia – December 23, 2024 - The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged the government and stakeholders to address gender disparities and enhance women’s participation in Zambia’s social, economic, and political spheres. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe outlined reflections on 2024 and presented the council’s expectations for 2025.

Ms. Katebe expressed concern over the persistently low number of women in elected positions, citing inadequate political will and an inequitable political framework. 

She highlighted the “Hard Time is Now” campaign, which advocates for increased female representation ahead of the 2026 general elections. 

She also called for legal reforms to introduce mixed-member proportional representation, enabling more women and youth to enter governance.

The ongoing drought and energy crisis have disproportionately affected women, especially in rural areas, where they form the majority of the agricultural workforce.

 Ms. Katebe emphasized the need for stronger safety nets to mitigate food insecurity, rising costs, and disruptions to women’s small-scale businesses.

 While acknowledging government efforts like the Cash-for-Work program, she urged more targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue, with 29,800 cases reported by the third quarter of 2024. 

Ms. Katebe called for the operationalization of the anti-GBV fund provided under the Anti-GBV Act and the adoption of a multi-sectoral approach that addresses the role of perpetrators. 

She also highlighted the need for male-focused interventions to combat the cycle of violence.

The NGOCC expressed disappointment over the delay in operationalizing the Gender Equity and Equality Commission, established under the 2015 Gender Equity and Equality Act. 

Ms. Katebe urged the government to expedite this process to strengthen gender mainstreaming and governance.

Looking to 2025, the NGOCC expects legal reforms for proportional representation, increased adoption of female candidates for the 2026 elections, stronger measures against GBV, and a robust response to the drought’s impact on women. 

Ms. Katebe stressed the importance of quarterly meetings with the President to track progress on gender-related issues.

“Zambia’s development must include all its citizens, especially women and girls, who continue to face disproportionate challenges,” she concluded.

The NGOCC’s reflections underscore both progress and ongoing challenges in advancing gender equality, with a call for urgent action to ensure inclusive development.