By SYLVESTER MWALE –
IT is irrefutable that despite calls for greater representation of women in decision-making positions, Zambia has struggled to have more females attain such positions.
Recent studies have revealed that females are still perceived to be less qualified and inexperienced, lack self drive and more importantly inadequate support from fellow women.
This perception is proving to be stereotype and has resulted into exclusion and discrimination of women from decision-making positions.
It has been apparent that Zambia’s failure to attain 30 per cent women representation in decision-making positions in the civil service is influenced by the failure of responsible institutions to implement gender programmes.

. Wina

But the appointment of Inonge Wina as Republican Vice President during the week is certainly a strong gesture that the country is ready to embrace females in decision-making positions.
Ms Wina becomes the first female president in the history of the country. It is also a gigantic step for her who has served as Gender Minister, one of the seemingly junior portfolios in the Cabinet hierarchy.
Ms Wina replaces Guy Scott who also went into history books as the first white vice president in the country since independence.
While some will perceive the appointment as political appeasement, it cannot be denied that Ms Wina has exhibited exemplary leadership which should inspire other women to attain high positions.
It is doubtless for this reason that women organisations organised a solidarity match-past during the week to celebrate the appointment of Ms Wina.
Ms Wina has been passionate for community work since 1970s and has served on a number of boards of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Perhaps her standout came when she served as president of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), where her strong advocacy forced the Government to establish the Victim Support Unit (VSU) under the Zambia Police Service.
President Edgar Lungu described Ms Wina as a unifying factor who has managed to hold both the party and the country during difficult times.
“As a leader, she has proved that she is a unifying factor and we cannot run away from that fact,” Mr Lungu said when he sworn in Ms Wina. “I am sure she will bring on board a new lease of life to the party and government, and I urge all Zambian women to support her.”
Mr Lungu’s advice to women in Zambia to support Ms Wina in her new role is crucial more so that past experiences have shown that women rarely get adequate backing from fellow women.
But will the womenfolk heed to the advice; how will her appointment inspire or influence other women, or how best can she handle the challenge to inspire confidence to women?
These are questions probably making rounds among the Zambian people and the Sunday Times had an opportunity to talk to individuals and institutions on the significance of the appointment.
Apparently, Ms Wina has served as chairperson for both NGOCC and YWCA, and her appointment has increased the degree of expectations from the women movement.
Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) board chairperson, Beauty Katebe says Ms Wina is a woman of integrity with vast experience.
“She will do well in not only balancing the needs of all the citizens as a woman and mother, but also provide the necessary counsel and wisdom to the presidency as she is a senior citizen,” Ms Katebe said.
“Further, Ms Wina has shown leadership in the manner she handled the wrangles in the Patriotic Front during the run-up to the presidential election where she played an instrumental role as national chairperson.”
The organisation believes that there are many capable women ready to take up the challenge and urged the President to ensure that nominated MPs include women.
Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) board chairperson Sarah Longwe says the NGOCC is pleased that President Lungu had considered a woman for such a high position.
“I am calling on women in the country to support Ms Wina, she needs the support of her fellow women,” she said. “In the same vein, I appeal to President Lungu to consider appointing more women in higher positions so that they too can be part of decision-making.”
She said that the women movement was proud of Ms Wina and expressed hope that she would help to address issues affecting women.
Women for Change (WfC) chairperson Margaret Maimbolwa described the appointment of Ms Wina as a Golden Jubilee present to the Zambian women.
“My organisation is hopeful that President Lungu will appoint more women to leadership positions as the country endeavours to meet the Southern African Development Community (SADC) requirement,” Dr Maimbolwa said.
She said her organisation was confident that Ms Wina would take cognisance of the voice of women who were key stakeholders in the development of Zambia.
Women and Law in Southern Africa (WILSA) also expressed its excitement with the appointment of Ms Wina as Zambia’s first woman Vice President.
WLSA national coordinator Maureen Samulela said her organisation had been advocating for more women to be appointed in leadership position.
“This is in line with the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which Zambia has signed and ratified,” she said.
While women organisations are in celebratory state of mind, there is equally a sense of heightened hope in individual women on the street.
“I am happy for Ms Wina because she has shown to the world that women can also do what men can do,” said Gladys Chimona, a trader in Lusaka.
“But she must not forget the plight of women in Zambia because we are suffering.”
Ms Chimona said President Lungu had exhibited high levels of confidence in women and hoped that the womenfolk would be able to support him.
The appointment of Ms Wina is a great symbolic commitment of the government’s strides to champion women affairs in Zambia.
While Ms Wina is certainly relishing the new challenge, the gesture is even more important in raising confidence in women as well as inspiring the girl child to aspire for greater ambitions.
With women being the majority victims of poverty in many countries like Zambia, it is hoped that Ms Wina would play an inspirational and influential role in ensuring that the welfare of the womenfolk are fully addressed.