NGOCC Applauds the Human Rights Commission Appointment, Urges Action on Gender Commission

29th July 2025

NGOCC APPLAUDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS, URGES ACTION ON GENDER COMMISSION

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) welcomes President Hakainde Hichilema’s appointments to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) Board, subject to ratification by the National Assembly.

We particularly commend the appointment of four (4) women out of the seven (7) available positions, a development that affirms the possibility of gender-balanced leadership in Zambia’s governance structures.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Pamela Sambo, appointed as Chairperson of the Commission, and Dr. Felicity Kalunga as Vice Chairperson, alongside Commissioners Ms. Panic Malawo Chilufya and Ms. Laura Mary Miti. Completing the Board are Bishop Yona Chikoya, Father Joe Koma Koma, and Mr. Fred Wamundila Waliuya.

This composition is a powerful statement that Zambia has competent, qualified, and deserving women to serve in high-level decision-making roles. It also signals that achieving the 50/50 gender parity envisioned in Article 259(b) of the Constitution is not only possible but necessary.

NGOCC has consistently raised concerns over the systemic underrepresentation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in national governance. For far too long, appointments to Boards and Commissions have fallen short of the constitutional imperative for gender balance.

As we celebrate this progress, we urge His Excellency the President to make gender parity a sustained reality by ensuring all future appointments reflect Zambia’s diversity and demographics. We also call for the full operationalization of the Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015, including the establishment of the Gender Equity and Equality Commission as enshrined in Article 231 of the Constitution. Such a Commission would serve as a permanent, independent oversight mechanism to ensure that both State and non-State actors uphold and implement gender equity and equality principles in all spheres.

Once again, NGOCC warmly congratulates the new Human Rights Commission Board, led by Dr. Pamela Sambo. We trust that they will discharge their duties with excellence, courage, and a firm commitment to defending human rights for all Zambians.

ISSUED:

for/NGOCC

Ms. Beauty Katebe

NGOCC CHAIRPERSON