WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP BEGINS WITH COMMUNITIES
Between 25th and 26th June 2026, the Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) successfully facilitated five community dialogue meetings across selected communities in Lusaka District, creating spaces where aspiring women leaders engaged directly with citizens ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections.
The dialogues gave women candidates an opportunity to present their leadership vision, discuss community development priorities, and strengthen connections with voters. Participating candidates included:
– Mwenya Nyirenda – Independent Candidate for Councillor, Lubowa Ward
– Euprshia Mbewe – Independent Candidate for Member of Parliament, Kabwata Constituency, and a woman with a disability
– Busiku Mpongo – Councillor Candidate, Ngwerere Ward (Socialist Party)
– Chisha Moddy Nonde – Councillor Candidate, Mwesbeshi Ward (Socialist Party)
– Priscilla Lungu – Councillor Candidate, Mulungushi Ward (NRPUP)
The dialogue in Mulungushi Ward was also attended by Namuchiya Banda, a candidate for Mayor of Lusaka.
The meetings brought together community members, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making. Discussions focused on:
Supporting women leaders at family, community and institutional levels. Voting for capable women leaders and sustaining engagement beyond elections to strengthen accountability. Creating an enabling environment that allows women to participate meaningfully in political leadership.The dialogues showcased the confidence, preparedness and leadership potential of the aspiring women candidates, who effectively communicated their priorities and vision for their communities. Encouragingly, community members expressed growing support for women leaders and reaffirmed the importance of inclusive leadership as Zambia heads toward the 2026 General Elections.
These dialogues form part of ZNWL’s two-year project, “Empowering Women for Effective Participation in Political Processes at Local and National Levels,” being implemented in Lusaka, Kabwe and Mkushi districts with support from the Women and Girls Fund.
