ATL Standard

The Carter Center and the Embassy of Sweden in Zambia, with support from the Embassy of Finland and the Embassy of Ireland, are bringing together civil society actors, government officials, and other stakeholders in Lusaka on March 31 to discuss strategies to ensure equal participation and representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in politics in Zambia.

“Securing a Seat at the Table: Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities as Influencers and Decision-Makers,” will take place just after the second global Summit for Democracy, which is being co-hosted by the United States and the governments of Zambia, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Republic of Korea.

The March 31 event will highlight some of the reasons why involving more women in politics is a “win” for the public — and for good governance more broadly. Participants will discuss the importance of including youth and persons with disabilities in processes that ensure equal access to elections. They also will explore the critical role that faith-based and traditional leaders can play as allies in the struggle for equal participation.

“Gender equality is at the very heart of Swedish foreign policy, and we are very proud to be a partner to Zambia in its strive towards more equal participation and influence” said Johan Hallenborg, Ambassador of Sweden to Zambia. “With this event, we want to raise the voices of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to ensure that they are heard. Inclusive political participation is the foundation of a thriving democracy.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to highlight the efforts of our partners in Zambia and across Africa who are working to ensure equal rights for those who are so often excluded from public life,” said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander. “All of us will have to work together to achieve equity for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”

“Securing a Seat at the Table” also will include discussions about how to help end gender-based violence, which is on the rise in Zambia and discourages women’s political participation.

“Collective reflection and action are urgently needed to end violence against women, including in politics and elections, in Zambia,” said Anne Mbewe-Anamela, executive director of the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council. “The March 31 event is another critical step forward for the Zambian women’s movement to reverse the adverse trajectory of gender-based violence in the country.”

The March 31 event supports ongoing efforts by The Carter Center as well as Swedish, Finnish, and Irish partners to advance women, youth, and persons with disabilities participatory rights in Zambia.

Original source can be found here.