The United Nations, Zambia office, and the Office of the Vice President of Zambia organized a high-level virtual dialogue meeting on the 21st of April 2021 on the theme: Increasing Women’s Participation in Electoral Processes and Addressing Violence Against Women in Elections. As Zambia proceeds to the polls in August 2021, this event focused on the underrepresentation of Zambian women in the nation’s political sphere which is enforced by the reinforcement of patriarchal norms and values, low income, low education level, and gender roles The Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security stressed the need for increased women participation in leadership processes. The SE emphasized the need to close the gaps in capacities, resources that prevent women from competing effectively in the leadership positions such as electoral processes. The Envoy further stated that violence against women in electoral processes is a threat to the integrity of electoral processes. In her interventions, the Special Envoy stated that the pandemic has shown the gaps in leadership where there is a shortage of women in decision making positions and this has occurred due to hindrances such as s teenage pregnancies, lack of financial inclusion that women face, and the inability to access proper education. The Special Envoy highlighted the need for respect for the AU frameworks and policies that have been put in place to encourage and improve women’s participation in governance and decision-making positions. The Special Envoy encouraged the Government of Zambia to create a safe and enabling environment for women to mobilize, monitor, and mediate in conflict prevention.
