Chakwera hailed for Zamba appointment
Gender activists in the country have commended President Lazarus Chakwera for appointing Colleen Zamba as new Secretary to the President and Cabinet, saying this is a fulfilment of the Gender Equality Act.
She replaces Zanga-Zanga Chikhosi.
In an interview on Wednesday, gender activist Emma Kaliya said the appointment is welcome.
She said: “Government is trying to achieve equal representation. I can cite the increase of women representation in the Cabinet as well as other key positions such as the director of Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Ombudsman.
their meeting
“We feel Gender Equality Act has been honoured and we are happy with the appointment of Colleen Zamba as Secretary to the President and Cabinet. This is a fulfilment of the State’s obligation to the Act requirements.”
Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Gift Trapence said they commend the Tonse Alliance government for championing women empowerment by appointing qualified women in high offices.
Oxfam in Malawi country director Lingalireni Mihowa said Zamba’s appointment shows that the President has confidence in the capabilities of women and their leadership.
She said: “We are delighted that the President has appointed Colleen Zamba as Secretary to the President.
“We have seen her profile. She has been in civil service before and that gives her the experience to lead. We commend the President for taking a bold step in improving the visibility of women leadership in Malawi in line with the Gender Equality Act which says that there has to be 60/40 representation in key decision-making positions.”
Zamba is the second woman to head the Malawi Public Service after Hawa Ndilowe who served under the Joyce Banda administration.
