President Hakainde Hichilema says sustainable development cannot be achieved if women, who constitute more than half of Zambia’s population, are excluded from decision-making processes. President Hichilema notes that the Government has facilitated progressive constitutional…

President Hakainde Hichilema says sustainable development cannot be achieved if women, who constitute more than half of Zambia’s population, are excluded from decision-making processes.

President Hichilema notes that the Government has facilitated progressive constitutional amendments aimed at increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions, both in Parliament and local authorities.

He says the introduction of the mixed-member proportional representation system in Parliament and the country’s 116 local authorities was part of the reforms intended to promote inclusivity.

The Head of State said this during the official opening of the First Session of the 14th National Assembly in Lusaka today.

He said the reforms have resulted in the current National Assembly having more female members than ever before, describing the development as a historic milestone.

The President commended those who supported the constitutional reforms, saying the increased representation of women was an important step towards inclusive governance.

The First Session of the 14th National Assembly has 22 percent

compared to the last 13th session that had 17 percent.

Meanwhile, the President said improved sanitation and cleanliness were essential in preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining a healthy environment.

He further called on Zambians and all stakeholders to make cleanliness a national priority.

He commended the Lusaka Mayor, Mwewa Chitambala for committing to keeping the city clean.

He said maintaining cleanliness should not be the responsibility of Lusaka alone but should be embraced by all local authorities across the country.