Zambia: Female President??

From Lusaka Times:

It is clear that many women in Zambian politics, ancient and modern played and have continued to play a crucial role in shaping Zambia’spolitical destiny.

This fact, though rarely appreciated, can be seen not only on the fading pages of Zambian political history, but also in the current skirmishing manouevres to increase the number of women in politically-sensitive decision-making roles.

Many women, and rightly so are asking for more political space to show-off their wares.

In terms of political party hierarchies, however, not many women have seen the upper echelons of power.

In modern times, one Edith Nawakwi has arisen with the clouds.  She was thrust into the lime-light during the glory-days of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

Hitherto an unknown marketeer at Northmead Market, Nawakwi soon became a force to reckon with by Kenneth Kaunda’s United National Independence Party (UNIP).

Zambia: Violence Against Women & Children

From allAfrica:

HUMAN rights violations have continued to affect vulnerable groups especially women and children in Zambia, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) 2008 report has indicated.

According to the report, a large number of women and children are exposed to violence and that most of the cases, especially those within the domestic sphere had continued to occur unreported causing the victims to suffer in silence.

Ms Siwale said the YWCA handled more cases of child neglect, which were at 26 per cent and that was an indication that children were the most vulnerable in most societies.

"Cases of child maintenance or neglect were the most prevalent at 26 per cent followed by marital relationship problems which were mostly reported by women and moderate men at 22 per cent a clear indication that more went unreported.

"Other cases were sexual offences, succession and spouse battering at seven per cent each, family problems were at four per cent while education assistance, employment issues, health and assault were at three per cent each," Ms Siwale said.