WOMEN IN MEDIA FOR CHANGE CALLS FOR ACTION ON GENDER EQUALITY

 

Women in Media for Change has joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day, calling for renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership.

Just over a century ago, women in many parts of the world could not vote, could not own property in their own names, and were excluded from universities, leadership, and public decision-making.

Today, women lead countries, run companies, and shape media, science, technology, and public life. While progress has been made, significant inequalities remain.

According to global gender equality data, women still earn about 20% less than men, hold only 64% of the legal rights available to men, and nearly one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. At the current pace, it could take 286 years to close global legal gender gaps.

Commemorating the International Women’s Day, Founder of Women in Media for Change, Patience Chisanga-Mayer, emphasized the importance of moving beyond celebration.

“International Women’s Day is not only a day of celebration. It is also a moment of reflection and responsibility. Progress has happened, but equality remains unfinished work.”

She noted that while the global conversation around gender equality continues to evolve, local realities must also be confronted.

“When we bring the conversation closer to home in Zambia, we see that women make up more than half of the population, yet their representation in political leadership and decision-making spaces remains far lower. That gap represents voices that are not being heard and potential that is not being fully realized.”

Chisanga-Mayer also reflected on the legacy of women who fought for dignity and justice during Zambia’s independence struggle.

She added “Zambia’s history reminds us that women have never waited quietly for change. Women like Mama Julia Chikamoneka marched boldly for dignity, justice, and freedom. Because of women like them, every generation today stands on stronger ground.”

As communities and organizations across the country mark International Women’s Day through events, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy activities, Women in Media for Change she has applauded these efforts while encouraging continued action.

She says “Empowerment is not an abstract idea. It is built through action, solidarity, and courage. Every organization mentoring girls, supporting women entrepreneurs, or opening leadership spaces for women is contributing to real change.”

Chisanga-Mayer further encouraged women to actively step into leadership and decision-making spaces.

She said “If decisions are being made about women without women in the room, progress will always move slowly. Women must run for office, serve on boards, shape policy, and lead institutions.”

She emphasized that gender equality is not only a women’s issue but a development priority for societies worldwide.

“No country can achieve its full potential while half of its population is held back. Gender equality is a leadership issue, a development issue, and ultimately a human progress issue.”

Women in Media for Change reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying women’s voices and strengthening women’s leadership across media and society.

“Equality is not a gift. It is a right. And rights must be claimed, protected, and enforced.”

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, the organization has called on governments, institutions, and communities to invest in girls’ education, support women’s leadership, and challenge systems that exclude women from opportunity.

ES