Assessing the Effectiveness of the National Gender Policy of 2014 in Advancing Women's Participation in Public Administration: The Case Study of the Cabinet Office, Lusaka, Zambia

This study assessed the effectiveness of Zambia’s National Gender Policy (2014) in advancing women’s participation and leadership representation within the Cabinet Office, Lusaka. The research focused on three key objectives: examining institutional and socio-cultural barriers to women’s career progression, evaluating the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms in gender mainstreaming, and analysing the impact of institutional gender units and policy implementation on women’s representation in leadership positions.

Findings revealed that while most respondents reported moderate career progression and no overt gender-based differences in promotion opportunities, significant barriers persist. These include challenges with work-life balance, limited networking and mentorship opportunities, and a prevailing masculine leadership culture that fosters scepticism toward women’s authority. Additionally, institutional constraints such as rigid work schedules, inadequate parental leave, and insufficient childcare facilities hinder women’s career advancement. These findings align with broader evidence, including the World Bank (2023) study, which highlights how promotion systems emphasizing continuous service years disadvantage women with caregiving responsibilities.

The study also found that gender mainstreaming policies are generally enforced within the Cabinet Office, and many respondents perceive their departments as inclusive. However, for gender mainstreaming to be more impactful, respondents emphasized the need for stronger leadership commitment, adequate resourcing, and integration of intersectional factors such as age, disability, and socio-economic status.

Finally, the study concluded that enhancing gender equality requires robust implementation of the National Gender Policy through merit-based and gender-balanced appointments, sufficient funding, and empowered gender units to monitor progress effectively. Overall, the research underscores that while policy frameworks exist, their practical implementation and institutional support are critical to achieving genuine gender parity in Zambia’s public administration.