Official Press Release

The African Risk Capacity meets with Parliamentarians to advance matters of gender equality in disaster response

19 November 2024: The recent parliamentary briefing with Zambian Members of Parliament provided a valuable opportunity to engage this crucial stakeholder group on the importance of promoting gender equality in Disaster Risk Management. As policymakers, parliamentarians hold the power to influence policy, advance gender issues, and enhance resilience.

ARC’s Hussein Madih, Country Engagement Manager for Zambia, and Dr. Christiana George, Head of Gender Unit, opened the meeting, supported by Likezo Musobani, Government Coordinator for ARC's work in the country, outlining how ARC is supporting Zambia’s resilience building journey by ensuring that all programmes use gender-sensitive guidelines and drive for equality.

Mr Henry Nkhoma, Director for Gender in Development, chaired the event. "In Zambia, we have implemented gender-responsive programmes, such as the free education policy and agricultural support initiatives, which are designed to target both genders equally," stated Nkhoma White. "We aim to mainstream gender considerations and ensure our budgets address the gender-specific needs of both men and women, promoting developmental equity and striving for a balanced allocation of resources," he concluded
Dr. Gabriel Pollen, National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), expressed gratitude to parliamentarians for their engagement on such critical national issues. He emphasised the government's ongoing commitment to addressing immediate needs on the ground. "To enhance our effectiveness and speed in responding to disasters, the DMMU must be adequately capacitated. We are prioritising resource mobilisation to ensure we are well-equipped to handle the increasing threats of disasters," Dr. Pollen stated.

Addressing parliamentarians, Ms. Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary of the Gender Division, showcased the critical role her office plays in coordinating the gender machinery. She underscored the importance of parliamentarians' support in representing the needs of their constituencies. "Gender issues impact all of us, and we all have a responsibility to act for the sake of our children," said Ms. Kabika. She noted that the gender division's budget has seen consistent growth year-on-year, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing gender-related challenges.

ARC’s gender work in Zambia is supported by partners, Global Affairs Canada and the Swiss Agency for Development for Corporation.