20 Women, 15 Youths, Five Persons with Disabilities: Inclusion Takes Its Seat in Parliament

By Whitney Mulobela
Inclusivity is one of the key principles of good governance.

Bringing marginalised groups (women, youths and persons with disabilities) to the decision-making table is not only good for the country; it also advances sustainable development.

For the first time in our history, 40 seats in the National Assembly are reserved for these groups: 20 for women, 15 for youths and five for persons with disabilities, with Hon. Lazarus Hakalebula holding one of the five.

Their voices are now being heard, and they are speaking up for development from their own perspectives.

As a gender and human rights activist, I spent years, alongside many others, championing laws that would make this inclusivity a reality, particularly bringing women, who make up more than half of our population, to the decision-making table.

Congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema and the Government on this milestone!

The full list of PR MPS

Out of the total 40 members of parliament who have been nominated under the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, 26 are women.

There are 20 slots for women, 15 for youths and five for persons with disability, which have been distributed as follows:

THE 20 WOMEN ARE:

1. Mutinta Musokotwane – UPND
2. Mirriam Chonya – UPND
3. Gertrude Imenda – UPND
4. Clarissa Chikamba – UPND
5. Caroline Katotobwe – UPND
6. Catherine Kantumoya -UPND
7. Judith Kabemba – UPND
8. Susan Tembo – UPND
9. Irene Muyenga – UPND
10. Ketty Nanyangwe – UPND
11. Grace Sampa Malunga – UPND
12. Melissa Chinyemba – UPND
13. Samwata Manyingu – UPND
14. Esnart Sakala – UPND
15. Moomba Mbolongwe Thornicroft – UPND
16. Chama Chileshe – UPND
17. Chilufya Chikongolo – UPND
18. Julian Kangwa – NRPUP
19. Mubanga Kapambwe -NRPUP
20. Susan Petwe – NRPUP

15 YOUTHS ARE:

1. Mr Michelo Chizombe – UPND
2. Ms Jemimah Mwaba – UPND
3. Ms Fatima Moono Sicheele – UPND
4. Ms Christine Bwembya – UPND
5. Ms Nelia Shikombelo – UPND
6. Mr Mukumbuta Mubiana – UPND
7. Dr Vincent Musilikani – UPND
8. Mr Mwanto Kabaso – UPND
9. Mr Don Mwenda – UPND
10. Mr Gabriel Simutowe – UPND
11. Mr Nsama Mpundu – UPND
12. Mr Lloyd Nsonga – UPND
13. Ms Chanda Chunda – NRPUP
14. Mr Collins Kampamba – NRPUP
15. Mr Harry Simuntala – NRPUP

5 PERSONS WITH DISABILITY:

1. Francis Kope – UPND
2. Misheck Mweemba – UPND
3. Lazarus Hakalebula – UPND
4. Kennedy Phiri – NRPUP
5. Ms Mumba Mubanga – NRPUP