Celebrating Women In Public Policy

Amini Centre for Policy Research’s Public Dialogue Initiative (The Conversation) is  carried out on a monthly basis, with the organisation having its first episode on the 16th of April, 2021, at the National Youth Development Council. The event was held under  the theme ‘Celebrating Women in Public Policy, and called to the attention of women from  different sectors influencing public policy.

Therefore, this report is an attempt to give a vivid account of the various discussions  held during The Conversation, highlighting the major topics tackled by the speakers,  and the focus areas by the audience.

SPEAKERS

The event was graced by the presence of the following five (5) well informed speakers in  their various expertises;

•  Dr. Pamela Mambwe Nakamba – Economist and Former Director of Zambia  Institute for Policy Analysis and Research.
• Ms. Natasha Chilundika – Policy analyst, Co- Founder and Director for Human  Capacity Growth at PRS 365 Limited and Radio Co-Host at Capital FM
• Mrs. Harriet Mdala Botha – Partner at Musa Dhudia and Company • Mrs. Florence Mumba – Co-Founder and Registrar at Sunningdale University
• Mrs. Pennipher Sikaind-Nyirenda – Public Relation and Marketing Officer at  ZSIC General Insurance
• The list of speakers came from diverse work backgrounds but a common denominator  brought them together- Public Policy.

WELCOMING REMARKS

The program started off with a unique but usual format of introduction for Amini Centre  for Policy Research- Your name and something interesting about you. This was done  with all people present in the room.

The introduction was followed by welcoming remarks and a brief presentation about  ACPR by the think tank’s Executive Director Mr. Dabwitso Zumani Phiri. He presented  the organisation profile, explaining its purpose, aim, vision and structure. Mr. Phiri  further briefed the audience on the number of events planned by the organisation, and  the future goals of having boot camps for high school students, competitions and  internships for college students, with the aim of broadening their scope of policy.

Mr. Phiri also expressed his gratitude for the amazing response from the audience, and  the outstanding support from the panelists to be part of Amini’s first event of ‘The  Conversation.’

PRESENTATIONS

The presentations began with Dr. Pamela Mambwe Nakamba who enlightened the  audience on ‘The Role of Think Tanks in Influencing Public Policy’. Starting with some  staggering statistics of think tanks by regional blocks, by countries and lastly in Sub Saharan Africa. A notable feature was Zambia’s lowest ranking in the number of think  tanks. Among other things discussed were, what think tanks are, the type of think tanks,  the roles they play and the three stages in the policy cycle in which think tanks can  shape the outcomes- framing ideas and issues, providing policy alternatives and shaping  decision making. A reminder by Dr. Pamela that will remain in most of the participant’s  mind is that “The greatest success of think tanks is as a result of long-term investments  in research.”

The second speaker was Ms. Natasha Chilundika, who took over with another brilliant  presentation on ‘The Role of the Media in Policy Making’. Having clearly defined what

public policy is, she went on to elaborate the different modes of exchange for  information. She explained the different bodies involved in public policy, giving an  illustration of Zambia’s policy documents. Ms. Chilundika further highlighted the role of  the media in shaping public policy through scrutiny of governmental affairs, ensuring  accountability and facilitating the exchange of information between the government and  citizens. She also went on to discuss the good media attributes, emphasising the  importance of providing accurate information to the public. Despite the vital role of the  media in public policy, it was noted to face a number of challenges internally, externally  and from governing bodies. Ms. Chilundika ended her presentation with a stimulating  message on how everyone can participate in public policy through different channels.

Thereafter, Mrs. Harriet Mdala Botha spoke on the role of policy influencing the law.  She placed the discussion into perspective in that she first made mention that law is  usually policy before it can infer the process of being refined and codified into statute.  Oftentimes societal views and opinions of what should be the law first originate as policy  which is later turned into law if need be. Mrs. Botha further took questions on law  making and the differences in procedures. A contrast was drawn between Zambia and  the United States, mainly from the aspect of difficulty or ease with which laws are made  in both states. Several factors were cited, among which included the aspects of political  influence and constitutional procedures. It was also noted that while certain laws have  been seen to change more often than others, there are many laws that need reform  among which include the laws on rent and land.

The fourth presentation by Mrs. Florence Mumba highlighted some key features of  education. Among them are; vision 2030, the need to be responsive to knowledge, values and attitudes, the purpose of education, practical skill needs of individuals and  society and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 4- Quality Education. She  gave her personal academic journey from first degree to PhD scholar and how the  perception of learning has changed from then. Among other things discussed were the  need of embracing critical thinking as a way of making sense out of education and the  need to undertake research, not only for the purpose of obtaining degrees, but to  enhance our lives and add value to our society. The key takeaway from Mrs. Mumba’s  presentation was the need to move research from a mere academic exercise to a tool we  can use to benefit the society around us.

As the media continue to play a huge part in public policy, one of the best decisions  made for the event was to have two informed minds speak on the same topic. Pennipher  Sikainda-Nyirenda closed the set of presentations with an amazing work ‘The Role of  The Media in Policy Making.’ Her main focus was on agenda setting and monitoring and  evaluation as the specific roles of the media in policy making. The best part of it was her  personal experience with influencing policy in the media. The key takeaway and call to  action was the importance of enhanced collaboration between the media and think  tanks. She concluded by mentioning the relevance of think tanks as good sources of  news.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

After the presentations, the audience was allowed to engage and discuss with the  panelists through a question and answer session. Among the areas of focus were, Zambia’s ranking in terms of think tanks, and what that implied to its development. The  room also appreciated the contribution of student representatives who contributed to  the policy process, and insufficient information for research studies due to lack of  information in that area. Furthermore, the audience, through the experience of panelists  showed concern on the length of time taken before a policy is considered, actualized or  seen to be impactful.

CLOSING REMARKS

In a few words, Amini’s Executive Director, Mr. Dabwitso Zumani Phiri closed the  event, thanking everyone for being part of Amini’s history of the first ‘Conversation’. He  further called for continued support even in the coming events planned by the  organization. The panel and the audience were later invited for a health break, which  marked the end of the event.

CONCLUSION

Amini Centre for Policy Research set on its first event of ‘the Conversation’, and  successfully celebrated women in public policy. The aim of the event was to allow for  comprehension of different thoughts to best advise the policy makers through policy  research and analysis. Thus, the event embraced the presence of renowned women from  different sectors, who discussed vital topics relating to public policy. Having given  stimulating content, the audience was excited to engage in further discussion through  the question and answer session. Upon the closing of the event, the panelists and the  audience had an opportunity to network over some snacks during the health break.