Even If I Opposed Bill 7, I Want President HH To Appoint More Women To Cabinet & Key Decision Making Positions, Says NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe

The Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has renewed its advocacy for gender balance in national leadership, calling upon President Hakainde Hichilema to deliberately elevate more women into Cabinet and other high-level decision-making posts. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe made the appeal, stressing that the current representation of women in key governance structures falls woefully short of regional and international benchmarks, as well as the aspirations of a progressive Zambian democracy. Katebe acknowledged that while civic leaders and civil society organizations like the NGOCC have previously stood firm against executive-led legislative initiatives—notably leading the charge that opposed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7—such democratic disagreements should not hinder collaborative efforts on matters of national inclusivity. She noted that principled advocacy involves holding the government accountable on contentious legislative frameworks while simultaneously pushing for administrative actions that foster equity, such as gender-balanced executive appointments. Highlighting the current structural imbalances, women's rights advocates have frequently pointed out that female representation in parliament, local government, and executive portfolios remains disproportionately low compared to men, despite women constituting the majority of the Zambian electorate. Katebe urged the Head of State to utilize available constitutional mechanisms, including the nomination of members of parliament, to bridge this widening gap and demonstrate tangible commitment to gender parity. In response to her remarks, public discourse across Zambia has seen a mixture of support and robust debate. Observers and citizens on digital platforms have questioned the juxtaposition of her vocal opposition to previous constitutional reforms with her current appeals to the executive. Nonetheless, civil society actors maintain that governance is multifaceted; opposin