Ifibyongo in politics

WOMEN IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP — WHY FEMALE PARTICIPATION MATTERS!

Leadership is not determined by gender, but by the ability to serve, make decisions and bring positive change to society.

In Zambia, women play important roles in our families, businesses, communities and national development. Yet, when it comes to standing for political leadership, their participation remains significantly lower than that of men.

According to Zambia's Human Rights Commission, women accounted for only 12.5% of parliamentary candidates and 8.5% of ward councillor candidates in the 2026 general elections.

But why does female participation in political leadership matter?

Women, just like men, have valuable experiences, ideas and perspectives that can contribute to national development. Their participation helps ensure that decisions affecting our communities reflect the experiences of a wider section of society.

From education and healthcare to employment, agriculture, business and community development, women have an important role to play in shaping public policies.

Unfortunately, many women who aspire to political leadership face challenges such as limited financial resources, discrimination, political intimidation and negative cultural attitudes.

A woman should not be discouraged from standing for political office simply because she is a woman.

Whether someone wants to become a councillor, Member of Parliament, mayor or president, they deserve a fair opportunity to present their ideas, demonstrate their capabilities and compete for leadership.

Supporting women's participation does not mean voting for someone simply because of their gender. It means ensuring that qualified and capable individuals have equal opportunities to participate and be evaluated on their policies, integrity, experience and leadership abilities.

A stronger democracy is one where everyone has a fair opportunity to lead and every citizen has the freedom to choose.

Let's encourage respectful political participation, equal opportunities and an environment where aspiring leaders can compete without intimidation or discrimination.

QUESTION: What do you think prevents more women in Zambia from standing for political leadership?

An original Zambian animation by Flidoh Animations Studio, using storytelling to highlight important social issues affecting our communities.

🌐 www.flidoh.com

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