PROGRESS in closing the inequality gap between men and women can only be recorded if the men themselves take the lead and change their behaviour towards issues of gender.
Indeed, as observed, a number of men are reluctant to change their behaviour and attitudes towards women, a major obstacle and hindrance to achieving gender equality in Zambia.
Agreeably, the observations that some men use violence to intimidate, humiliate and even silence women are indeed a true reflection of some of the happenings on the ground.
On the political front, women who aspire to join the political field also face a number of obstacles which include sexism, a tool used by some men to discredit and bring women down.
Admittedly, it is these kinds of attitudes towards women that have disadvantaged them on a number of fronts.
However, to those who seek justice and fairness, women are regarded as equal partners in all areas of human development.
Among those who fought for justice and fairness in areas of gender was Nelson Mandela who upon taking up the presidency of South Africa increased the number of women in public office.
Gender equality during Mandela’s presidency gained prominence and seriousness which as a result lead to an increase in the number of women in cabinet and parliament in South Africa.
Indeed Mandela will remain the greatest icon of all times as he fought for justice on many fronts including in the area of gender equality.
Mandela’s actions were against the background that only a handful of women were in decision-making position before he took office.
Admittedly, Mandela’s actions have today put South Africa on the map with the country having more women at different levels of decision-making.
Indeed, women in South Africa today have the opportunity to positively contribute to the development process.
It is not a disputed fact that, Mandela has left a legacy on many fronts including in the area of gender equality and really the onus is on this generation to emulate  the works of this icon in that regard.
In the same vein, President Michael Sata in his message to women on International women’s day this year clearly stated that women were essential partners in national development.
The president in his message acknowledged that the contributions made by women towards the prosperity of Zambia were valued.
To this end, the President further took a number of steps to uplift the lives of women who have for a long time been disadvantaged in a number of areas.
Mr Sata directed the ministries of Gender and Finance to come up with appropriate financing projects and programmes that will adequately serve women to enable them compete on the international market.
Further, he directed the ministries of Gender and Lands to ensure land was made available to facilitate the construction of facilities aimed at incubating ideas, enhancing business skills, and manufacturing capabilities among women.
The President also revealed that Government was promoting the establishment of community-based eco-tourism ventures that will be run by women groups or women entrepreneurs on commercial bases.
Indeed, this is the kind of leadership that is required in closing the inequality gap between men and women in this country.
The steps taken by the president are indeed affirmative actions that would help level the playing field for women to enable them compete favorably with their fellow counterparts.
Really, change in the area of gender equality can only be recorded when bold decisions are made by not only the leadership but even those at the grassroot.
I, therefore, advise those men still struggling to change their attitudes and behaviour towards women to emulate the world icon Nelson Mandela and President Sata’s works in the promotion of gender equality.
To this end, with the new development framework that will incorporate the promotion of gender equality, women are assured of a better society.
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) recently called on governments to promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as key priorities for sustainable development.
The world leaders have been called upon by CPD to integrate these rights into the new development framework that will replace the Millennium Development Goals.
To this end, the realisation to incorporate these rights in the development agenda could not have come at a better time than now.
Agreeably, women have for a long time been on the receiving end and the new development framework will indeed help liberate women more so under the current leadership which is making efforts in promoting gender equality.
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