ZNMNGD calls for appointment of female UN secretary general
The Zambian group advocates for gender equality and engages men and boys as allies in fighting inequality.
LUSAKA, Zambia - The Zambia National Men's Network for Gender and Development (ZNMNGD) is calling for the appointment of the first female United Nations Secretary General when the term of the current chief ends in 2026, writes Winston Mwale.
"It is time for a woman to lead the global body and bring a new perspective to solving worldwide conflicts and challenges," said Nelson Banda, ZNMNGD's national coordinator.
The Zambian organization believes having a woman in the prominent role will lead to different approaches in dealing with global strife that has disproportionately affected women and children forced to flee war zones where they face heightened vulnerabilities.
ZNMNGD is urging citizens, especially the five permanent Security Council members, to join its appeal for a female Secretary General to be selected in the next leadership transition.
There have been nine male UN chiefs since the body's inception more than 70 years ago.
The network argues the appointment of the first female leader presents an opportunity to turn the page and address systemic global issues from a different viewpoint.
"Women and children make up the majority of the world's population but have no say in conflicts devastating their communities," Banda said.
"A woman's perspective is critical at this juncture."
The Zambian group advocates for gender equality and engages men and boys as allies in fighting inequality.
It is a non-partisan, non-profit network of organizations and individuals.