MELU

By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA-
THE successes that a number of Zambian women have scored recently in attaining higher positions in decision making cannot go without comment.
Agreeably, Zambian women are making strides and making significant progress in a number of areas which deserves praise.
To this end, there is need to recognise the achievements made by Zambian women both at home and abroad.
Among the women that have made great stridesis Mizinga Melu, who last year left for Tanzania to join the ABSA group and was recently appointed chief executive officer of Barclays Africa regional management.
Ms Melu, while in Tanzania became the managing director for National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in May 2013. She took over from Lawrence Mafuru, who left the bank in 2012.
In Zambia before she left, Ms Melu was the Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and among the other roles that Ms Melu held in Standard Chartered include and Global Head of Business Organisations in UK.
The other portfolio she held was African regional head of financial institutions in both South Africa and Kenya.
Fairly, to Ms Melu, we can only say a hearty congratulations.
And Government in congratulating Ms Melu said she was Zambia’s pride.
Indeed, Ms Melu is our pride as Zambians.
Chief Government spokesperson Joseph Katema said Ms Melu’s appointment to the high profile position at continental level was of immense pride to Zambia and as she was a force to reckon with in her achievements.
On congratulating Ms Melu, NGOCC board member Beatrice Grillo said she (Melu) was up-lifting the standards of women in Zambia.
Ms Grillo described Ms Melu as a mentor, adding that she was confident that she will excel in her new appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Africa regional Management.
Women in Law in Southern African (WILSA) Regional coordinator Ms Matrine Chulu said her organisation was excited to have a woman at high levels in the banking sector, working at continental level.
“We as an organisation are very excited and proud about the development,” Ms Chulu said.
Zambia National Women’s Lobby Group (ZNWLG) Board chairperson Beauty Katebe in congratulating Ms Melu said her organisation was encouraged by Ms Melu’s new appointment.
“We are proud of her track record of hard work and feel encouraged by such progression which will not only enhance the profile of our Zambian women but also increases their number in decision making positions,” Ms Katebe said.
However, another success story worthy winning accolades involving women is the election of Ms Margaret Miti in Vubwi (PF), Victoria Kalima in Kasenengwa (MMD) and Christabel Ngimbu Zambezi West (PF) recently.
Admittedly, the election of these women is gratifying because the Zambian Parliament will now have 20 women with the percentage standing at 12.6 from 10.7.
Yes, Zambia still has a long way to go in achieving the 50 per cent threshold on women representation in decision making positions as required by the SADC Protocol, but if the current trend continues Zambia is heading in the right direction.
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development provides for the empowerment of women to eliminate discrimination and to achieve gender equality and equity through the development and implementation of gender-responsive legislation, policies and programmes.
It must be acknowledged that the 50 percent threshold remains a major challenge not only in Zambia but with the SADC member states.
However, the decisions by the various political parties to adopt women in the just ended by election is commendable and a step in the right direction.
Agreeably, doing so is a step in achieving gender equality in Zambia.
Yes, Zambia might not meet the 50 percent threshold by next year as required but if the current trend continues it may be argued that the country is heading in the right direction.
To this end, as we congratulate the women parliamentarians, an appeal to them is to advance issues affecting women in the House of laws.
ZNWLG in congratulating the women parliamentarians appealed to the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to appoint the newly elected women MP’s to cabinet positions.
Ms Katebe said doing so would increase the number of women in decision making positions.
Equally, Ms Katebe also said it was gratifying that the PF and the MMD adopted women to contest in the just ended by-elections.
She urged political parties to continue adopting women as a deliberate move which will bring about gender equality.
And Ms Grillo said her organisation would have loved to see more women going to parliament through the just ended by-elections.
She, however, said it was her hope that the number of women occupying seats in parliament will increase in future.
Ms Grillo has since asked the elected women parliamentarians to work hard with a difference.
To this end, an appeal can only be made to political parties to put in place an affirmative action that will position women in decision making positions.
In conclusion, it must be stated that the significant progress being made by women is encouraging despite the challenges they are still facing in attaining higher positions. And as we congratulate our women-folk that have made great strides to attain higher positions, an appeal can only be made to all men to start viewing them as equal partners in development and they should not be perceived as competitors.
Seriously, Zambia cannot fully develop without the input of women.