Empowering Women in Local Leadership: Zambia Hosts Global Platform Group Meeting to Champion Gender Equality in Governance
Lusaka has become the venue for a pivotal international discussion on women’s leadership, hosting the Global Partners Group Meeting for the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) Project. The two-day high-profile gathering which commenced today, 11th November at The Urban Hotel in Lusaka, has brought together government officials, local leaders, and international partners dedicated to advancing gender equality and enhancing women’s roles in municipal governance.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gary Nkombo, graced the event with a powerful address, highlighting the need for increased female representation in Zambia’s local government. “Our communities are ready for greater representation, and we are committed to a future where women have a substantial role in decision-making at the local level,” he asserted. Citing that only 7.9% of elected positions are currently held by women, he emphasized Zambia’s ambition to reverse this underrepresentation.
Hon. Nkombo also expressed gratitude to Canada and Global Affairs Canada for their ongoing commitment to this transformative agenda through the PMI-WILL Project, which launched in 2022 with a generous funding contribution of $27.6 million to advance women’s participation in local governance.
Adding further insight, Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) President Cllr. Vincent Lilanda underscored the pivotal role of PMI-WILL in empowering women leaders and promoting inclusive development. “The PMI-WILL initiative is our flagship partnership, a powerful force that not only promotes women’s leadership but extends essential services to underserved communities,” he said, detailing the project’s efforts to strengthen local governance. He emphasized that LGAZ is working closely with municipalities across Zambia, including Kasama, Kafue, and Nakonde, to implement initiatives focused on solid waste management, skills development, and resource mobilization, targeting marginalized communities.
This partnership, Cllr. Lilanda noted, “demonstrates our ability to translate our vision for gender-responsive governance into action, with projects that directly benefit citizens."
Lusaka Mayor Cllr. Chilando Chitangala, host of the meeting, welcomed delegates from Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Canada with enthusiasm and pride. “As a female Mayor, I understand the profound impact of representation,” she stated, acknowledging the power of visible female leadership to inspire future generations of women leaders.
Her vision for Lusaka as a model of gender-responsive governance echoed throughout the event. “Empowering women leaders creates a ripple effect that touches every aspect of our communities, fostering a more prosperous society for all,” she said. Cllr. Chitangala expressed her hope that the meeting would strengthen international partnerships and inspire more Zambian women to take on leadership roles.
Also present at the official opening were Ms. Corry Van Gaal, the Canadian High Commission to Zambia, Head of Office and Ms. Mary Heather-White, the PMI-WILL Project Director, both of whom expressed their delight in being part of the GPG meeting and acknowledged the significant progress the project is making across all five participating countries.
The 2024 PMI-WILL Global Partners Group Meeting in Lusaka has marked a significant milestone in Zambia’s commitment to gender equality in governance.
The event underscored the importance of partnerships, knowledge exchange, and sustained investment in fostering inclusive governance and empowering women to lead. With projects underway to drive these priorities, the gathering has set the stage for an impactful journey toward transforming local government to reflect the voices of women and their communities.
