By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –
THE Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) has praised President Edgar Lungu for recognising the role that women play in running public affairs.
ZCSD executive secretary, Lewis Mwape said the President’s appointments were not mere gestures of political appeasement.
Mr Mwape said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that the selections were being done on merit and in the true spirit of recognising that women played a critical role in public office.
“This is the reason why we would like to congratulate the President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu for appointing the first-ever female Vice-President in the history of Zambia Her Honour Mrs Inonge Mutukwa Wina.
“The ZCSD also applauds the appointment of Her Honour, The Chief Justice, Ireen Mambilima and the nomination of Mrs Margret Mwanakatwe as a Member of Parliament and her subsequent appointment as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry,” he said.
He said the council believed that the appointment of women into senior Government positions would immensely contribute to policy the balance of gender that for a long time have not benefitted the women folk.
The council encouraged the President to appoint more women, youths and the physically challenged citizens in his administration in order to attain adequate representation of these groups.
Mr Mwape said the ZCSD was also keenly observing the exercise of the presidential powers in the appointments and establishment of ministries and Government departments.