Zambia National Women's Lobby - ZNWL

26/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

ZNWL condemns the intimidation, manipulation, and victimization of women during the adoption and nomination process ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Women have the right to participate freely, fairly, and safely in political leadership.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DCVxrDt-0NGXnnkVeo7H8pa1kGYQ14gU/view?usp=sharing

25/05/2026

As we commemorate Africa Freedom Day, we honour the courage of those who fought for liberation by advancing a democracy where women participate freely, safely, and equally. True freedom is incomplete when women in politics continue to face violence, intimidation, and exclusion. Ahead of the elections, ZNWL calls for peaceful, inclusive, and issue-based engagement that upholds the rights and dignity of every woman.

20/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby congratulates all women who have successfully made it onto the ballot paper. Your resilience, courage, and participation are paving the way for greater women’s representation in leadership and politics.

📄 Read the full press statement here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GMTae86Dc72ypJiFlOhClbDMvs2PdhYD/view?usp=sharing

18/05/2026

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) successfully conducted a 3-day Staff Safeguarding Retreat aimed at strengthening institutional safeguarding systems and enhancing accountability within the organization.

The retreat brought together staff members for reflection, learning, and collaborative discussions on safeguarding principles, prevention mechanisms, reporting procedures, and organizational responsibilities. Guided by an external facilitator, the workshop created a platform for collective input and institutional strengthening.

A key outcome of the retreat was the development of a draft Safeguarding Policy that will guide ZNWL in creating safer, more inclusive, and accountable spaces for women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and communities we serve.

This important process was supported by Plan International Zambia under the Space to Lead Project following the Organizational Capacity Assessment, which identified safeguarding as a priority area for organizational strengthening.

09/05/2026

30/04/2026

ZNWL participated in a 2-day Space to Lead (S2L) Partners Training in Kabwe on Child, Youth-Led and CSO Social Accountability and Advocacy.

The training strengthened our capacity in evidence-based advocacy, public finance tracking, and inclusive governance. Through a highly participatory approach, featuring group work, peer learning, and practical tools, we deepened our commitment to ensuring that women, youth, and children meaningfully participate in decision-making processes.

22/04/2026

📍 Kabwe | Central Province (Chisamba & Chibombo)

Stronger systems. Safer children

ZNWL, alongside Space to Lead (S2L) partners, participated in a 2-day district dialogue workshop bringing together MPs, Councilors, youth and key state/non state actors to drive action on ending Violence Against Children (VAC), both online and offline.

The objective was clear: mobilize political will, strengthen coordination, and improve referral systems across sectors, while equipping stakeholders with tools like the District Service Provider Directory. The conversations were progressive and action-focused, culminating in joint district action plans and firm commitments from service providers, stakeholders, and state actors to strengthen child protection and accountability.

20/04/2026

📍 Mkushi District

Young people are stepping up to shape the future of SRHR service delivery

From 15th–17th April, Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL), alongside Groups Focused Consultations (GFC) and consortium partners, successfully facilitated a Community Score Card (CSC) Training under the Space to Lead Project in Mkushi.

This training brought together children, adolescents, and youth, including young people with disabilities, from youth-friendly spaces across health facilities to build their capacity as CSC animators. Their role? To lead conversations, identify real gaps in SRHR services, and engage directly with service providers to co-create practical solutions.

Through this process, young people are not just participants, they are decision-makers and accountability drivers, contributing to improved availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of SRHR services in their communities.

17/04/2026

15/04/2026

Is education excluding women from the ballot?

To find out, tune in to our fifth short film in the series!! It is now LIVE!!!

Watch the video: Educating Women, Changing the Game: From Books to the Ballot in which we introduce you to Ntombi, a young woman running for a local government position and aspiring to make a difference in her community.

Watch the part 5 of the video here:
https://youtu.be/pRAJzP4UZMQ?si=EU4jwpQXjqHhL5wp

The challenge? She does not have her Grade 12 school certificate – the standard requirement for running for elective office in Zambia since 2016.

Tune in to see how education can be a barrier for women hoping to qualify to participate in elections. Tag a friend, and if you haven’t seen them, don’t forget to watch Parts 1 through 4, and join the conversation. Join the movement by sharing the videos, use the hashtag and end the barriers to women’s political participation NOW!

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