By Rahim Abdul
Gender equality campaigner Maggie Kathewera Banda has expressed disappointment with the government for failing to uphold the Gender Equality Act following the recent cabinet reshuffle.
Banda says the latest changes in ministerial positions have missed an important opportunity to address the long-standing imbalance between men and women in top government leadership.
She was speaking after  the appointment of four additional deputy ministers, a move she argues did not improve women’s representation in government.
According to Banda, appointing more deputy ministers without increasing the number of women contradicts both the spirit and the letter of the Gender Equality Act.
She noted that despite the reshuffle, the number of women serving as full cabinet ministers remains at six, a figure she described as unacceptably low.
Banda stressed that the law is clear on the need for fair and balanced representation of both genders in public appointments, especially at decision-making levels.
She warned that continued disregard for gender laws weakens public trust and sends the wrong message about government commitment to equality.
The gender activist further argued that women possess the skills, experience, and capacity required to effectively serve in senior government roles.
Banda said failing to promote women into leadership positions not only violates the law but also denies the country the benefits of inclusive governance.
She has since called on authorities to review the current cabinet composition and take corrective steps that align with existing gender legislation.
Banda also urged civil society organizations and the public to speak out and demand accountability whenever laws meant to protect equality are ignored.
She concluded by emphasizing that gender equality is not a favour to women but a constitutional and legal obligation that must be respected by any government.
