CGA-Zambia president emphasizes support for women

CGA-Zambia President Alfred Foloko

In commemorating this year’s Commonwealth Day which also falls on the same day as the International Women’s day, Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA-Zambia) President Alfred Foloko has emphasized his executive’s commitment to encourage a balanced gender participation in sports countrywide.

In a speech delivered at OYDC – Sports Development Centre in Lusaka, Foloko who is also National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president said his administration is aware of the important role that equal gender participation plays especially through women.

“As CGA-Zambia we are very happy to be celebrating the Commonwealth Day and of course the International Women’s Day with the rest of the world.

“As an executive, we are cognizant of the role played by women in our society and it is for this reason that even our amended constitution allows 30 percent of positions to be specifically allocated to women in line with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).”

And at the same event, CGA-Zambia awarded three students and two pupils from various learning institutions for their exceptional performance in the Essay Writing Competition held prior to the day’s event.

Angela Halubobya, a 23-year-old student from the University of Zambia (UNZA) walked away with the first prize of K1000 while University of Birmingham’s Njekwa Milupi came out second and scooped a K750. Christine Phiri from Eden University was third.

In the pupils' category, Wilson Nkhoma from Kamwala Secondary School scooped first place and was seconded by Justinah Phiri from Nelson Mandela Secondary School.

L-R: NOCZ Administrative officer Gloria Khondowe, Christine Phiri, Angela Halubobya, Wilson Nkhoma and Justinah Phiri pose for a photo with certificates. Picture: NOCZ Media

With COVID-19 having disrupted any plans for mass gathering like has been done in years past, this year’s celebrations saw CGA–Zambia become innovative through media appearances and an essay writing competition which was aimed at engaging participation from youths countrywide without endangering anyone’s health.

The essays under the themes “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming” for students and “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World” for pupils attracted a worthwhile participation not just from Zambia but also Asia and European Countries.

Foloko commended the participants adding that although there were winners, there were no losers as the competition was aimed at bringing out ideas from young people on how best development can be enhanced.

CGA-Zambia Secretariat pose for a group photo with winners and their parents. Picture: NOCZ Media