Zambian women in politics : an assessment of changes resulting from the 1991 political transition

This study examines how women have fared in politics and government in Zambia since 1991, the year when the single-party state headed by the country"s nationalist founder, Kenneth Kuanda, was replaced by a multiparty system. The study: (1) describes the women involved in politics and government in Zambia; (2) examines what the change from single to multiparty has meant for women; (3) identifies the problems women face running for office and performing official duties; (4) explores gender awareness in policy formation; and (5) examines the relationships between women in government and their constituencies. The study is based in part on two surveys: one of 17 women in high office in national government, the other of 32 men and women members of local government. The study finds that Zambia"s transition from a single-party to a multiparty system has not yet conclusively improved women"s access to political office, but gains have been made, particularly for better educated and more affluent women. Most of the women interviewed confronted double standards and double days -- they had to work harder than men to reach office and at the same time were expected to fulfill family obligations. There were few role models available, and gender discrimination and sometimes sexual harassment plagued women in office. Relationships between the women and their constituencies were in a state of flux. In the national government, women were divided along party lines and even within parties, mitigating against the formation of a strong women"s caucus. However, the women viewed gender a significant dimension of policy formation, and most did not believe that men would represent their interests. The paper concludes that the extent of women"s participation in the future will depend on the kinds of communication and support networks that can be established among women at the local level, women in political office, and organizations at all levels that promote women"s political participation. A series of recommendations are made. Includes bibliography.