Buumba Malambo Calls For Return Of Ministry Of Gender And Women’s Affairs

Kafue East Member of Parliament Buumba Malambo has called on President Hakainde Hichilema’s Government to establish or reinstate a Ministry of Gender and Women’s Affairs, arguing that women need a dedicated government institution to advance their rights, representation and participation in national development.

Speaking in Parliament, Malambo said women constitute the majority of voters in Zambia and should be recognised not only as participants in democracy but also as leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs and professionals. She said a dedicated ministry would strengthen the coordination and implementation of policies addressing women’s rights, including land ownership and gender equality.

Malambo also praised Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, saying she admired her intelligence and leadership. She thanked President Hichilema for opportunities to serve in public office, recalling her political journey from becoming a councillor at 24 to serving as a mayor or council chairperson at 29 and entering Parliament at 35. She also highlighted her humanitarian work, claiming her charity had helped rescue 4,000 children from sexual abuse and distributed thousands of school supplies, wheelchairs, farming inputs and maternal healthcare kits.

The lawmaker urged the Government to consider women’s representation as it restructures ministries, maintaining that Zambia needs a stronger institutional framework to address challenges facing women and girls. She said women have already demonstrated their ability to contribute to national development and deserve a greater role in shaping the country’s future.