LONDON – Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Macenje Mazoka, emphasized the critical importance of investing in women and girls as a fundamental step towards nurturing the next generation of leaders. Speaking at an International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Association of Spouses of African High Commissioners and Ambassadors in the United Kingdom (ASAHCA) at Zambia House, High Commissioner Mazoka highlighted Zambia’s strides in promoting gender equality while advocating for broader global action.
Mazoka stressed the need for nations to adopt progressive political agendas and implement policies aimed at empowering women and girls to break free from the cycle of poverty. She pointed to Zambia’s own progress, citing examples such as the appointment of the first female Speaker of the National Assembly and an increase in female judges, magistrates, and permanent secretaries.
Quoting President Hakainde Hichilema, Mazoka reiterated the indispensable role of women in shaping societies, emphasizing their contributions to freedom, societal progress, and family well-being. She echoed sentiments from Sima Bahou, the UN Women Executive Director, highlighting the economic benefits of women’s empowerment and their crucial role in governance, peace-building, and economic growth.
Despite these advancements, Mazoka lamented the disproportionate focus on procuring weapons over investing in women and girls, emphasizing their transformative impact on societies. She highlighted persistent challenges, including maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and limited access to resources for women, particularly in developing nations.
Mazoka underscored the importance of education for girls, noting its pivotal role in increasing prosperity, stabilizing population growth, and improving child nutrition while reducing child marriage. She acknowledged the resilience and strength of African women, who often bear the brunt of societal challenges yet remain the bedrock of their nations’ survival.
The event was attended by High Commissioners representing Kenya, Rwanda, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, along with ASAHCA president Mrs. Waithiegeni Kanguru-Esipisu. Professor Phoebe Okowa, the first African Female member of the UN International Law Commission, delivered the keynote address.