Ngocc Wants Gender Equality at Heart of Grow Zambia Agenda

“Growth only means something if all citizens, especially women and girls, share in it both in intent and practice,” she said.

NGOCC said women produce much of Zambia’s food but continue to face challenges in accessing land, finance, irrigation and markets.

The organisation said the 10-million-tonne maize target should therefore be backed by secure land tenure, targeted inputs and extension support for women farmers.

NGOCC also wants growth in mining, tourism and beef exports to create decent jobs, ownership and supply-chain opportunities for women.

The organisation further wants the President to announce gender-disaggregated targets under each pillar of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

NGOCC said the Government should also fulfil its UPND manifesto commitments to expand women’s economic opportunities, give women-owned businesses preferential access to public procurement and increase the number of women in leadership.

The call comes as the new Parliament has 63 female members, the highest number in Zambia’s history.

NGOCC said the increase in women’s representation should be supported by stronger gender institutions.

The organisation wants President Hichilema to announce the operationalisation and adequate funding of the long-awaited Gender Equity and Equality Commission.

NGOCC said the Commission would help strengthen gender mainstreaming across Government and the private sector.

The organisation also wants the President to address the fight against gender-based violence.

NGOCC said the President should explain how Government will fulfil its commitment to establish more fast-track courts for GBV cases and expand support services for survivors.

It also wants the Government to operationalise the Anti-GBV Fund provided for under the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act No. 1 of 2011.

On education, NGOCC wants the President to outline measures to protect the gains made through free education.

The organisation said free education has the potential to help keep more girls in school.

NGOCC has also raised concerns about Zambia’s energy security amid seasonal climate forecasts warning of possible El Niño-related drought risks.

While welcoming efforts to expand power generation, the organisation wants a clear and time-bound strategy to diversify energy sources and increase investment in renewable energy.

NGOCC also wants the Government to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate-related power shortages.

The organisation said affordable off-grid energy solutions should be prioritised for rural women, who are often badly affected by electricity disruptions.

NGOCC said gender equality should remain a core part of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The organisation said women’s rights, opportunities and empowerment should be reflected in Government policy, investment and decision-making.

President Hichilema is expected to deliver his policy address when he officially opens the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Lusaka on Friday, 9 October 2026.