Posts in category: Uncategorized

 A Clinical officer based at Munyama Rural Health Centre in Siavonga District has drowned on Lake Kariba. Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said Brocklin Mtonga aged 27 drowned after the dugout canoe he was in capsized near the harbor at Munyama Health Centre. He said facts are that the victim went to play football at […]

 UNITED States of America Secretary of Education Miguiel Cardona says what Zambia has accomplished in its election outcome is an inspiration to the world. Dr Cardona said Zambia’s is a success story of potential which has been realised through the youths. Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated his commitment to address the threats that democracy […]

Bernadette Deka-Zulu (PhD Researcher-Public enterprise)

In the previous article, we looked at “BREAKING BARRIERS: Overcoming Challenges to Women’s Participation in Politics, Leadership & Businesses in Zambia” and in the past, we also looked at financial inclusion; with respect to women, the youth and the marginalized society. Building on that background, we today look at a key topic of relevance to ensuring society as whole (without leaving anyone behind) participates in the development and growth of the Zambian Economy: “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)”

In recent years, there have been efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors, including politics, leadership, and business. However, many challenges still exist that prevent full and equal participation of underrepresented groups.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) refer to the collective effort of promoting a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, and beliefs feel valued, respected, and included. DEI is an essential aspect of any organization or society as it promotes social justice, increases creativity, and enhances productivity. A diverse workforce is crucial in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, leading to improved decision-making processes, and helps organizations better understand and meet the needs of their clients.

In Zambia, DEI is becoming increasingly important as the country continues to develop and attract investment. The country’s diversity in culture, language, and ethnicity presents a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of each group, leading to increased productivity, economic growth, and social harmony. However, despite the significant progress made towards DEI in Zambia, there are still significant challenges to overcome.

Currently, there are disparities in access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, which disproportionately affect certain groups. Women, people with disabilities, and those from marginalized ethnic groups are particularly vulnerable to these disparities. Furthermore, discriminatory attitudes and practices continue to exist, perpetuating inequality and hindering the full realization of DEI.

DIVERSITY

As a country with a diverse population made up of over 70 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, culture, and traditions. The country is home to several religions, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions. The majority of the population speaks Bantu languages, with Bemba being the most widely spoken. According to the previous census of 2010, it was indicated that Zambia’s most widely spoken languages are Bemba (spoken by 35% of the population), Nyanja or Chewa (20%), Tonga (12%) and Lozi (6%). An urban variety of Nyanja (Chewa) is the lingua franca of the capital, Lusaka, used for communication between speakers of different languages.

In terms of diversity representation in various sectors, Zambia has made significant progress in promoting diversity and inclusivity. In the government sector, there is a notable representation of women in leadership positions, with the country having had its first female vice-president in 2011. Women also hold several key positions in the civil service and parliament.

In the education sector, Zambia has made significant progress in increasing access to education for all. However, disparities still exist, with girls, children with disabilities, and those from rural areas being less likely to access education. Efforts are being made to improve access and ensure that education is inclusive of all learners.

The media sector in Zambia is diverse, with various media outlets covering different aspects of society. However, there are concerns about media bias and representation, particularly of marginalized groups. There are also concerns about the representation of women in media, with women often being portrayed in stereotypical roles.

Zambia is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. While progress has been made in promoting diversity and inclusivity in various sectors, there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone is included and represented in all aspects of society. Efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion must be ongoing to realize the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive society.

EQUITY

Equity refers to the fair and equal distribution of opportunities, resources, and benefits to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. In Zambia, there are significant disparities in access to education, healthcare, and other resources, particularly for marginalized groups.

The current state of equity in Zambia is challenging, with poverty being a significant barrier to accessing basic services such as education and healthcare. The country also faces significant disparities in access to education, with children from rural areas and low-income households being most affected. Additionally, there are disparities in access to healthcare, with those living in remote and rural areas having limited access to essential health services.

Efforts are being made to address these disparities. The Zambian government has implemented several policies aimed at promoting equity, including the National Health Strategic Plan, which seeks to improve access to quality healthcare for all. The government has also implemented programs aimed at increasing access to education, including free primary and secondary education as well as different bursary programs.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups are also working towards promoting equity in Zambia. These groups focus on issues such as gender equality, disability rights, and poverty reduction, among others. For example, the Zambia National Women’s Lobby Group works to promote gender equality and women’s rights in the country.

While progress has been made towards promoting equity in Zambia, there are still significant disparities in access to education, healthcare, and other resources. Continued efforts are necessary to address these disparities and ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities and access to essential resources.

INCLUSIONS

Inclusion refers to the practice of creating an environment in which all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. In Zambia, there have been efforts to promote inclusion, but there is still a long way to go.

The current level of inclusion in Zambia varies depending on the sector. In the workplace, there are still challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly with regard to women and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, and disability is still prevalent in many workplaces.

Whilst there maybe efforts being made to promote inclusion in Zambia, including the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and affirmative action programs. The Zambian government also establishing policies to promote gender equality and non-discrimination, for example the passing of the Gender Equity and Equality Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. There is much work that needs to be done at increasing the representation of marginalized groups in various sectors, such as education and public service and especially Parliament.

Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups have also continued to work towards promoting inclusion in Zambia. For example, the Zambia Disability Rights Watch works to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities and increase their participation in all aspects of society.

However, despite these efforts, there are still significant challenges in promoting inclusion in Zambia. There is a need for greater awareness and education on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. There is also a need for greater representation of marginalized groups in decision-making positions in various sectors.

While there are efforts being made to promote inclusion in Zambia, there is still a long way to go. Continued efforts are necessary to create a more inclusive society in which all individuals feel valued and supported.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INCLUSION

For example, in the case of The National Construction Council of Zambia (NCC), it would be cardinal to ensure that construction includes the welfare of the disabled by implementing the following measures:

Establishing regulations: The Council can establish regulations that require all construction projects to consider the needs of disabled individuals. These regulations can mandate the inclusion of features such as ramps, accessible toilets, and wider doorways in buildings.

Training for construction professionals: The Council can provide training to architects, engineers, and other construction professionals on how to design and construct buildings that are accessible to disabled individuals.

Collaboration with disability organizations: The Council can collaborate with disability organizations to understand the specific needs of disabled individuals and incorporate them into construction guidelines and standards.

Certification of accessible buildings: The Council can develop a certification program that recognizes buildings that meet accessibility standards. This program can incentivize developers to invest in accessible design and construction.

Enforcement: The Council can enforce accessibility regulations by conducting regular inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

By implementing these measures, the National Construction Council of Zambia can ensure that construction includes the welfare of the disabled and promote a more inclusive built environment. Many other institutions to many numerous mention here can adopt new policies that include several groups that would often be marginalized in the society.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Despite efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Zambia, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. Some of the obstacles to achieving DEI in Zambia include:

Limited resources: Limited resources and funding for DEI initiatives make it challenging to implement programs and policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lack of awareness and education: There is a need for greater awareness and education on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many individuals may not be aware of the importance of DEI, and this can hinder progress towards achieving it.

Cultural and traditional practices: Cultural and traditional practices may perpetuate discrimination and marginalization of certain groups, such as women and individuals with disabilities.

Limited representation: Marginalized groups such as women, people with disabilities, and members of minority groups are underrepresented in decision-making positions in various sectors, which makes it difficult to address their concerns and needs.

To overcome these challenges and promote DEI in Zambia, potential solutions include:

Increased funding: More resources and funding can be allocated towards DEI initiatives and programs.

Education and awareness: Education and awareness campaigns can be implemented to increase understanding of the importance of DEI and promote its values and principles.

Cultural change: Efforts can be made to promote cultural change and challenge traditional practices that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization of certain groups.

Increased representation: Affirmative action programs can be implemented to increase the representation of marginalized groups in decision-making positions in various sectors.

There are significant challenges to achieving DEI in Zambia, but there are potential solutions that can be implemented to overcome these obstacles. Continued efforts are necessary to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and create a more just and equitable society for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for creating a just and equitable society. While Zambia has made efforts towards promoting DEI, there is still a long way to go. Achieving DEI requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and the government.

Individuals can play their part by being open-minded, respectful, and inclusive towards people from different backgrounds. They can challenge discriminatory behavior and language and promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their personal and professional lives.

Organizations can take steps to promote DEI by implementing policies and programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. They can also create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background.

The Zambian government can promote DEI by implementing policies and programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all sectors. They can also increase representation of marginalized groups in decision-making positions and ensure that their voices are heard.

In conclusion, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing process that requires a collective effort from everyone. We must continue to work towards a society where everyone is valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com

By NATION REPORTER

THERE is no fight against corruption going on in the country and the UPND government is just using investigative wings to fight, malign and embarrass former President Edgar Lungu, Bowman Lusambo has said.

Mr Lusambo says it is unfortunate that the former First Family was being targeted by the UPND government by its continued in a bid to fix former President Lungu instead of trying to fixing the economy which they promised they would do.

He said for as many times, former First Lady Esther Lungu and her son Dalitso have been summoned by the law enforcement agencies and that it the fight against corruption had become a tool of harassing former President Lungu and all former leaders in the PF administration.

He said that the summoning of Former president Lungu’s son, Dalitso and his wife was nothing but harassment on the part of the former first family and that Zambians were getting depressed because the continued victimizing of the former head of State was a well calculated move meant to embarrass him.

“There is no corruption fight and the ACC are playing double standards in trying to fix political opponents of the ruling party. The investigative agencies have continued summoning the children of former President Lungu apart from harassing the former First Lady, Mama Esther Lungu. For the last two years, the ACC and other law enforcement agencies have been causing terror to former President Lungu by targeting not only his properties but his children,” Mr Lusambo said.

Mr Lusambo said that recent happening involving Lumezi Member of Parliament Munir Zulu and two Cabinet Ministers, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Finance Minister and his Infrastructure counterpart and Mr Charles Milupi was an indication that the fight against corruption was just a façade.

He said the investigative wings were fishing in the air as they had not come up with any conclusive evidence and that their primary aim seemed to concentrate on frustrating all those that were close to former President Lungu.

Mr Lusambo said they were a lot of corruption scandals that had emerged in the UPND administration involving high-ranking government and party officials but that President Hakainde Hichilema and his investigative wings had decided to give them a blind eye.

By Jackson Mapapayi

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) North Western Province youth chairperson Bruce Kanema has challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission and other security wings to investigate the awarding of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in the region.

And Mr Kanema has accused some Members of Parliament in the region of personalising the CDF money by ensuring that projects are not awarded to all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.

He said the ACC should take keen interest in the matter by investigating and bring the culprits to book.

He said the commission should not be waiting for politicians or whistleblowers to bring out issues even when they are in public domain.

“ACC should take keen interest in this matter because we cannot allow a situation where only one family is being awarded projects under CDF.

“That is not helping the party and government at large “Mr Kanema told journalists during a press briefing in Solwezi.

He has also warned procurement committees in all local authorities in the region to be transparent in the manner they award contracts.

He said it is unacceptable to award contracts to the same people who are either aligned or related to Members of Parliament.

New Zealand revealed its first-ever rabies case Thursday, saying the viral disease had killed a patient who caught it abroad but there was no risk to the public.

High blood pressure in children is not uncommon, and research shows it may lead to high blood pressure in adulthood, as well as problems with the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association published today in the Association’s Hypertension journal. An American Heart Association scientific statement is an expert analysis of current research and may inform future guidelines.

A DETECTIVE officer at Police Force Headquarters has told Lusaka magistrate Sylvia Munyinya that he is not competent to testify in the case involving National Democratic Congress (NDC) Leader Saboi Imboela in which she had been dragged to court by State House Chief  Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

Mr. Kelvin Kandela yesterday told the court during cross-examination that he was not qualified to talk about the matter before the court because he was not the arresting officer in the matter.

He was testifying in a matter in which Imboela,45, pleaded not guilty to two counts of Libel Contrary to Section 191 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

When the matter came up yesterday for continuation of trial at the Lusaka magistrate court, Mr. Kandela was asked during cross-examination by one of the defense lawyers, Ms. Melissa Phiri if he was competent to talk about the matter before the court, the witness stated that he was not competent to talk about the matter because he was not the one who effected the arrest even when he was one of the officers who had besieged   the residence of the NDC leader.

Mr Kandela when asked about his duties stated that among his functions were to maintain law and order and to enforce the law.

“According to the evidence, you are not competent to talk about this matter, right?” Mr Kandela was asked in cross-examination.

And in his response, Mr Kandela told the court that he was not competent to testify against Ms Imboela.

Mr. Kandela further testified that on October 28, 2022 he reported for work at Zambia Police Force Headquarters where he was assigned to meet a team of officers into apprehending the suspect named Saboi Imboela.

He submitted that he went on the ground with a warrant and managed to locate the residency of Imboela but couldn’t arrest her.

“I went on the ground and did manage to locate the residency of a named suspect with a warrant in Lilayi Shantumbu road. Upon arrival at the resident, I noticed the gate was locked from inside but I was able to see the activities inside the yard,” he testified.

Mr. Kandela told the court that when he reached Imboela’s house he waited for her about an hour to open the gate but she couldn’t open.

“I saw a car parked, windows where opened and I hooted for about 30 mins, I could see that inside there were movements of people, and I saw Imboela closing the windows. I realized I had her contact number in my phone I made a contact but it went unanswered and she called back. I answered and introduced myself to her and asked her to open the gate and allow us to enter, she responded in the negative saying she had no time for such. I told her if she’s not cooperative I wound find other means, I waited there for an hour hooting in intervals,” he said.

He said on that day he left Imboela’s house without arresting her.

“On November 1, 2022 I got information that she was at police headquarters building where she was summoned.I made a follow-up and found her with her legal team, I introduced myself to them, and I informed them that I needed them in our quarters for a case that has been reported,” he submitted.

Mr. Kandela said he led the team to the arresting officer who recorded a warn and caution statement and charged Imboela with the offense of libel.

It is alleged that Imboela on unknown dates but between September 9, 2022 and September 10, 2022, in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did publish defamatory matters against Clayson Hamasaka on a facebook page called Saboi Imboela -SI.

The court has since adjourned the matter to April 24, 2023 for trial.

Findings from an analysis of more than 66,000 abdominal hysterectomies performed in New York hospitals reveal key risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) following these procedures, including open surgery, obesity, diabetes, gynecological cancer, and age under 45. Published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), the data can help inform surgical and clinical decisions to reduce post-operative infections.

It’s a new year, and once again, the opioid epidemic continues to hold a tight grasp on millions of Americans. At the end of last year, the United States reached a major milestone of over one million overdose deaths since the year 2000. And while public health efforts to combat this epidemic have been largely focused on adult opioid use, there is a population of substance users that are commonly overlooked: youth stimulant users.