OUT of 103 councils in the countr, only five have female town clerks.
Lusaka mayor George Nyendwa described this development as unfortunate
and challenged women in politics to show their commitment and work
towards being recognised and counted alongside men.
“I am challenging women to start taking part in politics if they are to ascend to the helm of the councils,” he said.
Mr Nyendwa said women can only be appointed to higher positions in the councils if they participate in politics.
Meanwhile, Mr Nyendwa further challenged political parties to adopt
women to contest as ward councillors to help increase the number of
women in politics.
He noted that the number of women in politics can only be increased if
there is a deliberate policy of reserving certain constituencies for
female politicians. “Like the way we do it in the Patriotic Front, we
deliberately adopt women at both local government and parliamentary
levels.”
Mr Nyendwa said the new republican constitution should include a law
which will reserve certain constituencies for women so that the number
of females in politics can increase.
“We have seen this policy and law work for our friends in neighbouring
countries like South Africa. That is why in these countries, there are a
lot of women participating in politics and being appointed to
decision-making decisions,” he said.
The mayor has encouraged women entrepreneurs to form clubs and solicit
funds from Government to enhance their businesses to eradicate poverty.
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