PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
LUSAKA – MISA Zambia stands alongside various stakeholders in commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). This day is not just an occasion to celebrate women’s achievements; it’s a crucial opportunity to recognize their contributions and to assess the strides we must take toward achieving gender equality in Zambia and beyond.
As an organization that champions media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information, MISA Zambia acknowledges the essential role women play in the media industry, public service, governance, and socio-economic development. We commend the resilience of female journalists, media professionals, and content creators who continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and amplify diverse voices. Despite facing significant obstacles such as gender-based violence, harassment, and workplace inequalities, these women persist.
This year, MISA Zambia calls for immediate and decisive action in the following areas:
- Empowering Women in Media: We insist that media houses create gender-sensitive workplaces that guarantee fair representation and provide leadership opportunities for women.
- Ending Online and Offline Harassment: We condemn all forms of violence, cyberbullying, and intimidation directed at women in both digital and traditional media spaces.
- Promoting Access to Information: It is imperative to amplify women’s voices in national discourse. Access to credible information is key for women to make informed decisions regarding their rights, health, and economic opportunities.
- Encouraging Women in Leadership: We demand increased female representation in leadership roles within the media, politics, and other decision-making sectors to ensure inclusive progress.
As we mark this vital day, MISA Zambia is committed to advocating for a media landscape that is inclusive, safe, and empowering for all women. We call upon policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize gender equality initiatives that will lead to a more just and equitable society.
Issued by
MISA Zambia
Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga
Chairperson
