Chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has accused the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) of aligning with the “enemy of women’s progress” for opposing Constitutional Bill 7. Mweetwa expressed deep concern that NGOCC, traditionally a leading voice for women’s empowerment, is now resisting what he described as the most practical legislative route to guarantee representation for women and young people in Parliament. Speaking on national television, he stated that President Hakainde Hichilema is disturbed by the organization’s sudden shift, arguing it contradicts its longstanding advocacy for greater female participation in leadership.
He asserted that instead of supporting legislation aimed at expanding political space for marginalized groups, NGOCC has chosen to join forces with what he characterized as opponents of women’s progress. The minister also criticized the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), accusing it of issuing statements on Bill 7 without first consulting its membership. He contrasted this with LAZ’s approach during the debate on Bill 10, when it conducted consultations with lawyers before taking a public position.
Mweetwa further highlighted a growing rift within civil society, noting that the student movement has broken ranks with the Oasis Forum to support Bill 7. He said student leaders endorse the bill because it creates a direct mechanism for youth participation in governance, rather than having older groups speak on their behalf. He commended the students for their historical role as champions of the disadvantaged and their clear stance in supporting the bill.
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Mweetwa concluded that opponents of Bill 7, including some political parties and civil society allies, seem intent on objecting to government initiatives regardless of merit. He reiterated that the bill is uncontroversial and that the technical committee will reflect the position of the majority in its final recommendations.
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