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The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights by advocating for decent work for all and inclusive social dialogue.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, said the government would continue its efforts to eliminate barriers that perpetuate inequality and marginalization in the world of work.
Delivering a statement via video link to the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Tambatamba said social justice in the labour market was essential for sustainable economic development.
This was confirmed in a statement issued Thursday in Lusaka by Ministry of Labour and Social Security Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa.
Tambatamba stressed that fair wages were fundamental component of economic justice and a key driver of equitable development.
She added that the government was committed to ensuring that wage systems were just, transparent, and responsive to the needs of workers, while also maintaining the sustainability of enterprises and the broader economy.
“The challenges confronting us can only be addressed with renewed solidarity, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to the principles of decent work and social justice,” she said.
The Minister further stated that Zambia stood ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to build a future of work that was inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Tambatamba announced that, to achieve social justice in the labour market, the government was implementing laws and policies aimed at addressing systemic disparities in employment opportunities, working conditions, and wages.
“The government has made strides in extending social protection, promoting equal pay for work of equal value, ending discrimination, as well as eradicating child labour and forced labour,” she said.
She also cited key interventions such as the introduction of bursary schemes under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), employment and labour law reforms, and the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme, which now supports 1.2 million households.
Tambatamba emphasized government’s commitment to fostering meaningful tripartite dialogue at all levels to ensure all voices are heard in the pursuit of decent work and social justice.
“We have strengthened engagement with workers’ and employers’ organizations to foster industrial harmony and improve working conditions,” she said.
She noted that the current labour law reforms aimed to improve compliance with international labour standards, including those on freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the elimination of child and forced labour.
Meanwhile, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo observed that over 4 billion people globally lacked social protection, while wage growth continued to lag behind productivity gains, exacerbating inequality.
Responding to the report, Tambatamba noted that Zambia’s challenges were compounded by its unique circumstances, including a youthful population, high informality, low productivity, climate vulnerability, and digital exclusion, particularly in rural areas.
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