By MILDRED KATONGO –
WOMEN groups have saluted President Edgar Lungu for assuring that his running mate in the August 11 general elections will be a woman.
They are happy that the Head of State is committed to empowering women.
Mr Lungu announced during a Patriotic Front (PF) women’s sensitisation committee fundraising function on Saturday that his running mate would be a woman because he was an advocate of gender equality as enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia.
The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) said President Lungu had shown his commitment to empowering women by giving equal opportunities in decision-making positions.
ZNWL executive director Beauty Katebe said Mr Lungu was the first Head of State to appoint Inonge Wina as the first female vice-president, and that there was no doubt that he would implement what he had promised.
Ms Katebe said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it was delighting to note that the President was in the forefront advocating equal opportunities between men and women.
“Indeed, our President has been advocating equal rights as witnessed in how many women have been appointed to decision-making positions.
“We are delighted to know and be assured that he wants a woman to be his running mate.
“This gives us more power to advocate women’s rights because we have a leader who is championing this,” she said.
She urged other political parties to emulate Mr Lungu’s position and adopt women in the forthcoming general elections.
Young Women’s Christian Association Copperbelt coordinator Sharon Chisanga was similarly impressed with the continued pronouncements by the President advocating equality.
Ms Chisanga commended Mr Lungu and said Zambia was lucky to have a leader who had a heart to champion women’s influence in leadership roles.
Ms Chisanga also called on other political leaders to emulate President Lungu and appoint more women in decision-making posts.