NGOCC opposed Bill 7 but still wants more female MPs

The political landscape in Zambia has once again brought matters of gender equity to the fore following the validation of parliamentary seats under the expanded National Assembly framework. According to reports from the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), the current number of female lawmakers has reached 63, accounting for roughly 22.4 percent of the total 281 parliamentary seats. This figure marks a notable upward trajectory from the 15 percent recorded following the 2021 general elections and surpasses the 18 percent high achieved in 2016. This increase follows the Electoral Commission of Zambia's validation of seats allocated through the proportional representation system, a mechanism embedded within the constitutional changes introduced under Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7. Out of the 40 seats allocated via proportional representation, 26 have been secured by women. Combined with directly elected female MPs and high-ranking legislative and executive figures—including the Vice President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker—the numbers reflect structural shifts in national leadership representation. However, the milestone has reopened intense public debate regarding the relationship between civil society watchdogs and legislative reform. Previously, the NGOCC and various other civil society networks staunchly opposed Bill No. 7, citing reservations regarding the consultation process and specific structural provisions. Critics and online commentators have pointed out the apparent irony of opposing a legal framework designed to expand proportional representation while simultaneously celebrating the numerical gains it produced for women. Gender advocates and organizational leaders have defended their dual stance, asserting that standing against procedural deficiencies in lawmaking does not invalidate the ongoing constitutional struggle for 50/50 gender parity. Organizations like the NGOCC maintain that while the current total of 63