Analysing Gender Inequality in decision making position in the Public Administration of Zambia. A case of selected Provinces of Zambia

Judith Colby Miti; Peter K. Lolojih; Evaristo Nsenduluka

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.47453

Analysing Gender Inequality in decision making position in the Public Administration of Zambia. A case of selected Provinces of Zambia

Author(s)	Ms. Judith Colby Miti, Dr. Peter K. Lolojih, Prof. Evaristo Nsenduluka
Country	Zambia
Abstract	ABSTRACT Gender inequality is a grave issue that impacts nearly every society, but it is particularly prevalent in African countries. Because of its cultural orientation, which is designed to promote male superiority and female vulnerability, Africa tends to be more affected by this issue. Discrimination and harassment between people or groups of individuals in this case, men and women leads a condition of inequality that contributes to gender inequality (International Labour Organization, 2018). Like all developing countries, Zambia ratified the Vision 2030 accord, which calls for equal representation of men and women in senior management roles within the public sector. Aiming to analyse gender inequality in the public administration of Zambia, the target population of this Article was selected from various public officials, government departments, ministries and non-governmental organizations with a sample of 300 respondents selected for the thesis. This comprised a review of government ministries, permanent secretaries, directors, senior government officials’ government officials serving in the public administration. In addition, 35 senior officials were purposively sampled as key respondents from selected government Ministries (18), non-governmental organisations (12), and Members of Parliament (5).For the respondents, both structured as well as semi-structured questionnaires were employed to acquire qualitative data. In-depth interviews using interview guides were conducted with key respondents. Numerical arithmetical package was used to analyze information, while content examination adopted during analysis of non numeric information deriving from the interviews with key respondents. The research further notes that parity is having an equal number of men and women working and leading at all levels and sectors of public administration is a crucial element of gender equality in public administration. The representation of women in management roles needs special consideration. It is "a matter of the full enjoyment as social rights, social justice, and necessary condition for the better functioning of a democratic society" to have gender parity in public decision-making. In nations where women make up a large portion of the public administration workforce, women are frequently less likely to rise to positions of management and leadership. Results of this research revealed that gender inequality was a serious problem in the public administration in Zambia despite having a clear National Gender Policy framework that was being implemented at the level of government. Especially the case with regard to the occupancy positions of influence in the public administration. To this end, the study results revealed that despite an appreciable number of women having requisite expertise to provide actual results, major gaps in having equal numbers of males and females in decision-making positions of the public administration in Zambia. In addition, the study noted that women faced challenges such as women in decision-making positions not being comfortable to consult on matters for fear of victimization, sexual abuse by male managers and women not supporting fellow women that were in management positions. Ironically, the study revealed that respondents at the lower levels were not aware of this glaring gender inequality, at the national level, with most of them holding the view that there was gender parity in public decision-making positions. In conclusion, the study has noted that despite the ongoing implementing of the National Gender Policy strategies such as the 50/50 threshold in all decision-making positions, the Policy implementation has not reached the intended targets hence women have not progressed in having equal employment opportunities and attaining management positions. .
Keywords	Keywords: Employment, Gender inequality, Gender Policy, Equality, stereotype, Decision making position, Imbalances and Public Administration
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On	2025-06-25
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.47453
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9rnxd

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Analysing Gender Inequality in decision making position in the Public Administration of Zambia. A case of selected Provinces of Zambia

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