Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala has called for increased participation of women in leadership, stating that their contribution remains vital in improving communities despite continued underrepresentation in decision-making roles.
In a message marking International Women’s Day, Chitangala said women’s leadership, vision and dynamism were indispensable to national development.
“The leadership, vision, and dynamism of women are indispensable in our continued efforts to better the lives of people in the communities we serve,” she said.
However, she observed that women still faced barriers to leadership despite years of advocacy for gender equality.
“The female gender continues to be underrepresented in decision-making roles despite many years of advocacy,” Chitangala said, noting that although progress had been made, “there remains a lot more to be done.”
She also paid tribute to those advocating for women’s participation, stating that progress toward equality had been slow.
“Although progress continues to be agonizingly slow, we should pay tribute to the women and men who have continued to advocate for increased female participation,” she said.
Chitangala further urged women who had attained leadership positions not to focus on symbolic milestones but on meaningful impact.
“I encourage them not to be obsessed and content with just being ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ woman in a particular position,” she said.
“The real achievement lies in how well you use your position to impact lives in your respective communities.”
As the country approaches the 2026 general elections, Chitangala encouraged women to contest for leadership positions, describing politics as a challenging but necessary space for greater female representation.
“It is never easy, but one needs to be strong and fearless to succeed in what is a disproportionately male-dominated arena,” she said.
She also urged appointing authorities to ensure that women entrusted with leadership roles were given adequate support.
“In line with the theme of this commemoration, I urge the appointing authorities to ensure that those chosen to lead are provided with the tools needed to do the job,” Chitangala said.