Judiciary Picks praised



The NGOCC calls appointments a step forward for gender equality and inclusive governance

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24. --- (April 10, 2026) - The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the appointments of 28 women out of 40 nominees to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, describing the development as a significant step toward addressing long-standing gender imbalances within Zambia’s judiciary.

NGOCC Executive Director Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the judicial appointments announced by State House on April 9, 2026, reflect notable progress in promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership within the country’s justice system.

She said the increased representation of women demonstrates growing political will to advance merit-based appointments and recognition of the availability of qualified female professionals capable of serving at the highest levels of the judiciary.

Ms. Mbewe-Anamela noted that the development is consistent with Zambia’s constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, as well as international and regional commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, the African Union Agenda 2063, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, and Sustainable Development Goal number five on gender equality.

She added that stronger female representation in the judiciary will enhance justice delivery, strengthen democratic governance, and boost public confidence in judicial institutions.

NGOCC also congratulated all the appointed men and women, whose nominations are subject to National Assembly approval, and expressed confidence in their competence, integrity, and commitment to public service.

However, the Council urged President Hakainde Hichilema to sustain and deepen gender-responsive appointments across all sectors of Government, including parastatal institutions and other public offices.

NGOCC further reiterated its call for the establishment of the Gender Commission as provided for under Article 231 of the Constitution of Zambia, stating that it would strengthen oversight and ensure effective gender mainstreaming across sectors.

The organisation stressed that sustained and deliberate action remains necessary to achieve equitable representation of women at all levels of decision-making.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Brother, A Leader, A Lesson

Image
 Bishop Mwamba’s Tribute to Lungu Lusaka, Zambia24, Thursday, June 5, 2025 – United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has paid tribute to the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a man of the people, a personal friend, and a national figure whose life and leadership offer Zambia both memory and lesson. In a statement delivered Thursday, Bishop Mwamba extended condolences to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation, while encouraging citizens to reflect not only on the man Lungu was, but on the legacy he leaves behind. “I, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, extend my sincere sympathies to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the Zambian people on the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.  “As President of UNIP, I also convey our party’s deep condolences at this moment of national loss.” Recalling Lungu as his former classmate, Mwamba spoke warmly of the former president’s personal qualities—h...
Read more

Bishops Decry DEC Summons

Image
ZCCB Warns Against Using State Institutions to Silence Church Leaders By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (3-01-2026) - The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has condemned in the strongest terms the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) summons of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing it as a brazen attempt to intimidate the Church and silence its voice on governance. ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama said in a statement that the Bishops stand in unwavering solidarity with Archbishop Banda, who is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on 5 January 2026.  The summons, delivered on 31 December 2025, comes amid a wave of public attacks and derogatory remarks against the Archbishop. The Bishops labelled the DEC action as unmistakably state-sponsored harassment, designed to punish Archbishop Banda for speaking truth to power and holding the government accountable.  Bishop Chama warned that weaponizing state institut...
Read more

Breaking Silence, Saving Lives

Image
Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...
Read more