Out of 526 board members, only 103 are women, representing 19 percent.

Speaking to YFM- gender rights activist who is also executive director for Women’s Legal Resources Centre (Wolrec) Maggie Kathewere Banda said it has shown that Tonse-led administration is not committed to good women representation in leadership positions despite engagement on the same.

“I am shocked that despite our engagements with both the president and chief secretary they are still not meeting gender acts requirements in as far as public appointments is concerned,” she said.

Banda has since said WORLEC will seek legal intervention on the matter.

On the other hand, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) national coordinator Luke Tembo said it is unfortunate that government disregarded the gender act which calls for 40/60 representation in its appointments.

Tembo has however commended government for appointing most members based on merit.

Meanwhile, government is yet to respond on the matter.