RB’s Stand of Appointing More Female Judges Cheers Citizens

Delphine Hampande-Zulu

4 May 2011

President Rupiah Banda has broken the adage of saying a ‘woman’s place is in the kitchen’

because of numerous appointments of women to higher positions which were mostly regarded as positions for men.

This can be proved from his recent pronouncements or promises that he will continue appointing more qualified female judges to the bench a situation which should be appreciated by all.

Although majority men still feel they cannothave a female for a boss or better still appoint a woman to a higher position, the head of State’s promise should make them realise that women too can perform better once put in higher positions.

Mr Banda’s pronouncement give hope to Zambians as well as other stakeholders that the country is on the right track of ensuring that the gap between men and women in decision making positions is reduced.

The efforts being made by the president will also help Zambia attain the Southern African Development Community (SADC) declaration of 50 per cent representation of women in decision-making positions which is a welcome development to the legal fraternity and should be supported by all.

“It is no doubt that the president’s actions are in line with the United Nations (UN) charter preamble of equal rights of men and women in employment as well as not placing any restrictions on the appointment of those who deserve it,” said some female lawyers interviewed recently.

They said unless women’s representation in all spheres of governance reaches their equitable share, women’s impact on improving the future will remain marginal and their needs not attained.

They said the appointment of more women to the bench is impressive and beneficial to the judiciary and to the entire country because it is one way of having more women in decision-making positions and that capable women in other fields should also be considered for elevation because the fight is for everyone.

“Women play a major role in various areas of life and we are happy that President Banda has made the appointments of women as one of hispriorities during his tenure of office,” they said.

Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) expressed delight at the president’s pledge to continue appointing qualified women to the position of judges saying this is an indication that Mr Banda values women’s contribution to the development of the nation.

“How I wish Mr Banda can use his influence and advise other political parties to adopt more women in this year’s elections and allow them to compete for various positions,” she said.

And the Women in Law in Southern Africa (WiLSA) regional coordinator Matrine Bbuku Chulu said the move by President Banda is welcome because it is an indication that he is aware about the review that SADC will under-take to establish whether Zambia will met the 50 per cent requirement.

She said the task of appointing more women in higher positions should not only be left to Mr Banda alone because if Zambia is to attain this gender protocol requirement then all stakeholders must adhere to this requirement.

“Zambia is for everyone so if we claim to be partners in development then we all must be seen to implement what the president is calling for. He has set the pace so why can’t everyone do the same,” she said.

She said the president’s decision shows that he has confidence in women especially in the judiciary because his decision is a clear demonstration that Mr Banda appreciates the contribution of women innational development.

And the Judicial Allied and Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) general secretary Vincent Makondo commended President Banda for his pledge to continue appointing more female judges.

Mr Makondo said the president has demonstrated that his Government is a working Government and caters for all in terms of appointments saying the judiciary needs more women to balance the gender protocol representation.

He said the move by the president could not be questioned because he had already demonstrated in the few years he had been president that his Government was not selective.

“We welcome the pledge by the president, it is very impressive, so for us in the judiciary, we can only advise that other institutions should emulate what Mr Banda has done,” he said.

Mr Makondo said so far the female judges recently appointed had performed extremely well.

He said various institutions should give women an opportunity to prove themselves and stop undermining them because they have the potential to work as hard as the men.

Since he was elected into office in 2008, President Banda has appointed 15 female judges.

Despite progress made in several countries, 30 per cent target for women’srepresentation set by the United Nations has only been achieved by very few countries.

The slow progress is largely due to the enormityof challenges facing women in achievement of equality with men.

Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that progress is possible by focusing on five key areas:

1. We need to have a critical mass of women in politics.

2. We need to overcome traditional notions of gender roles.

3. We need to rally the support of the media for gender issues.

4. We need to improve access to technology, and last, but not the least

5. We need to build alliances among the different parties that impact and influence major actors in governance.

It has been argued that the constraints inhibiting progress in women’s participation in decision making are largely attributable to four factors: social, cultural and attitude barriers, gender disparitiesin access to employment, and disproportionate poverty among women and inadequate budgetary allocations to areas of importance to women.

Recognising the principle of 50 per cent equal representation for women and men as enshrined in the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality and the IGAD Gender Policy, but cognisant of the context, situation and issues at stake, 30 per cent as a minimum threshold for women’s representation at all levels and in all sectors was recommended during the Women Judges conference that was held in Livingstone recently where the president made his pledge.

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