NGOCC Unveils “Her Time Is Now” Donation Button: A Bold Push to Elevate Women in Politics Ahead of 2026 Elections

By Chibesa Cecilia Mungulube

The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has launched a powerful new initiative set to shake up Zambia’s political scene the “Her Time Is Now” Donation Button, a digital fundraising tool designed to break long‑standing financial barriers that prevent women from fully participating in politics.

Speaking at the high-profile launch event in Lusaka, NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe called for a transformation of Zambia’s political landscape, reminding attendees that women—despite being the majority of voters—remain greatly underrepresented in leadership and decision‑making roles.

“Women continue to face deep structural, cultural, and financial barriers,” she emphasized, noting that limited support from political parties and lack of campaign resources keep many capable women off the ballot.

The Donation Button aims to empower aspiring women leaders by offering a transparent, secure avenue for citizens, institutions, and partners to contribute to campaign essentials such as Transport, Visibility materials, Community engagement and safety measures during campaigns

By turning public goodwill into tangible support, NGOCC hopes to move citizens from “passive support to active investment in women’s leadership.”

Guest of Honour Ms. Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary for the Gender Division under the Office of the President represented by Director of Gender in Development, Mr Henry Nkhoma affirmed government’s commitment to inclusive governance. She highlighted progressive policy milestones such as the Revised National Gender Policy The National Strategy on Women’s Participation in Politics and Decision-Making The introduction of Proportional Representation under the 2025 constitutional amendment. But she stressed that policies mean little without action on the ground. She also praised the Donation Button as a model partnership-driven solution.

NGOCC Executive Director Ms. Anne Mbewe Anamela issued a passionate call to political parties to walk the talk by adopting more women candidates. She revealed that the idea for the Donation Button grew from direct conversations with women in politics who cited financial pressure as a major roadblock.

Young Women in Action (YWA) Board Chairperson Ms. Nalishebo Siambo echoed these sentiments, praising NGOCC for amplifying women’s political participation and spotlighting ongoing projects supporting young women in leadership across districts like Mumbwa and Itezhi-Tezhi.

In a powerful call for inclusive representation, ZNADWO Coordinator Ms. Chilufya Bwalya urged political leaders to be intentional about adopting women with disabilities emphasizing that “Disability does not reduce one’s intelligence.”

The launch event, held at the Urban Hotel, drew an impressive mix of government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, political actors, cooperating partners, and media all united by one vision: a Zambia where women’s political leadership is fully recognized and supported.