The Women for Change (WfC) has welcomed the appointment of Vice President Inonge Wina as Minister for National Planning.
Meanwhile, the WfC has called on President Edgar Lungu to appoint women for the remaining ministerial positions in order to address the wide gender inequality gap in the Zambian Cabinet.
WfC Executive Director Lumba Siyanga said Mrs. Wina suits the position and the move because it will ensure gender responsive planning in Zambia.
“The appointment of Her Honour Mrs. Wina, Vice President of Zambia to the position of Minister of National Planning is a welcome move because it will ensure gender responsive planning in Zambia,” Ms. Siyanga said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Siyanga has expressed displeasure at what she termed ‘continued stereotyping of women’ which is evident in allegations by some sections of society that the Vice President is too old for the task.
In a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Ms. Siyanga said such allegations were highly gender insensitive considering that there were many old male politicians in Zambia.
She observed that there were no such remarks attributed to the men fork.
She reiterated there was need for everyone to promote a society where there is gender equality.
“We commend all efforts aimed at achieving equal representation in decision making positions,” she said.
This week, President Edgar Lungu appointed Vice President Mrs. Inonge Wina as Minister for National Planning in addition to her current portfolio.
The Head of State also elevated Steven Kampyongo and Greyford Monde to positions of full cabinet ministers.
Mr. Lungu further appointed Patriotic Front (PF) Chawama Member of Parliament Lawrence Sichalwe as Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President.
Mr. Kampyongo is the new Minister of Local Government and Housing taking over from Dr. John Phiri who has been moved to the Ministry of General Education in the same capacity while Mr. Monde is the new Minister for Fisheries and Livestock.
does it mean the vip will have two salary?
National planning is not a bad idea, however this ministry should be headed by young proffessionary educated visionaries. This isn’t about plans for today, but to steer the country into a strategic competitive global positioning. The likes of Lucky Mulusa would farewell in this position. Zambia is not short of young well educated men and women. This is certainly not for chishimba Kambwili, Davies Chama Mulenga sata or any of the PF thugs.
Some of these appointments are indications the president has an idea but does not really comprehend the seriousness of the matter at hand.
If we intend to steer our country into the global competitiveness platform, then we need to seriously start thinking about who should qualify into leadership based on capability. We need people who understand the times and all the technological advances we are lacking.
SHE’S TOO OLD for Veep Position. U can see she’s struggling due to old age. To add another portfolio is making Lungu look so incompetent. What planning qualification does she have? Are there no qualified planners with Project Management qualifications?
Lets be serious about affairs of running this Country.
Did I miss something? Did ka Lungu demote the nice lady mama Wina from number2 to one of the useless ministries he just fabricated recently? I got to admit that I’m having a hard time keeping up with ka Lungu’s many haphazard idiosyncrasies and his penchant for worthless pomp.
Iwe she has now another portfolio, but true he has to find some one else I think for national planning….
Please, we need a young and very learned person to head National Planing.