The strategies of women legislators in the enactment of gender responsive legislation in Zambia, 2010-2016.

The study investigated the influence of women on Gender Responsive Legislation (GRL) as
individuals and as a caucus in the Zambian National Assembly from 2010 to 2016. It sought
to examine the role of the women’s movements in supporting the work of the women
legislators. The study was anchored on determining whether or not women legislators
influenced the introduction of GRL and amendments to legislation. The study further
examined the role of women in parliamentary committees.
A descriptive study design with a mixed method approach was adopted. The sample
comprised of 62 participants. 37 male Members of Parliament (M.P) selected randomly. 6
women MPs, 6 participants from Women’s Lobby Group, 6 from Women in Law and
Development in Africa and 5 from the Ministry of Gender were sampled purposively. Two
critical actors from the NGOCC (Advocacy officer) and the women’s desk at parliament were
also selected purposively.
The findings revealed that the role of the women’s movement was focused on capacity
building in debate, supporting women candidates, advocacy on the legislative process as well
as attempting to create a men’s network. Evidence showed that some women legislators
consider some women’s organisations to be aligned with certain political parties. Women’s
efforts also resulted into the introduction of the Gender Equity and Equality Bill of 2015 even
though some male MPs questioned their unity. On the other hand, an attempt by a woman
legislator to have a bill (Termination of Pregnancy bill) brought to the house was not
supported. The findings further revealed that the discussions on certain concerns by the
women’s caucus translated into programmes for the ministry of gender such the strategic plan
to end child marriages of 2014.
Furthermore, women legislators significantly influenced amendments to the Anti-Gender
Based Violence (Amendment) Bill of 2011 and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of 2010 in
which they advocated for the protection for victims of GBV such as protection orders from
the courts and inclusion of minimum sentence for rape cases respectively. Evidence indicated
that women played an active role in committees, although women and girls concerns such as
child marriages and education rights were restricted to the gender committee. However,
leadership roles were limited for the women legislators due to under-representation.
Therefore, the study recommended the enactment of legislation that improves women’s
representation, funding the women’s caucus as well as engaging in constant dialogue and
research with the women’s movements on various issues affecting women and children.
Key words: Gender responsive legislation, Bill, Amendment