SADC Declaration on Gender

The SADC Declaration on Gender and Development was signed by the SADC heads of state and government in 1997, which commits all SADC countries to the following, among others:

- Achieving at least 30% women in political and decision-making structures by 2005. Promoting women’s full access to and control over productive resources to reduce the level of poverty among women. Repealing and reforming all laws, amending the constitutions and changing social practices which still subject women to discriminationBefore the Zambian Parliament adjourned sine die, a motion was introduced in the House, urging Government to adopt a proportional system based on the quota system aimed at attaining the minimum requirement of 30 percent target of women to be in decision making positions by the year 2005 accordingly to the SADC Declaration on Gender and Development. The motion met a lot of opposition – especially among men and it was later withdrawn.

During a monthly discussion arranged by the Zambia National Lobby, Gender in Development Division (GIDD) permanent Secretary at Cabinet Office Sister Auxilla Ponga expressed disappointment in parliaments failure to adopt the motion on the 30 percent quota system for women.

“With the current existing leadership in Parliament where you have more men than women, it will be difficult for the country to achieve the 30 percent SADC Gender and development target,” she said.

Source: The Zambia National Women’s Lobby