MUCH was said in the run-up to the International Women's Day commemorated across the globe yesterday, and Zambians were reminded by many speakers in many parts of the country to seek to put into action the issues concerning the womenfolk, which in the past have only ended at speech level.

Decisive action is what will inspire confidence in the women, now widely recognised as essential partners in national development, and it will give true meaning to the day that the Zambian Government has even elevated to national holiday, to signify its importance.

The International Women's Day examines our attitudes towards women and challenges us to change the way we treat them, particularly in view of some of our cultures that encourage men to consider them as mere tools for the sustenance of their families.

The stories on physical, psychological and sexual violence this and other newspapers in Zambia have often carried are an account of the often surreal, always harrowing torture countless women experience at the hands of their husbands, employers, and even some children whose formative years are negatively influenced by witnessing the mistreatment of women in their environments.

The theme for yesterday's commemoration, which was 'Equal rights, equal opportunities, progress for all', was therefore anchored on the need for us all to revisit our conduct and begin to appreciate that national progress will never be achieved without the participation of the womenfolk.

But talking alone will not bring any results, and that is why we stand by the challenge Vice-President George Kunda yesterday made to all political parties to ensure that women are given more opportunities to participate as candidates in the 2011 general elections.

It connects the dots between presenting eloquent speeches and attaching human faces to the speeches.

Yes, Zambia has demonstrated that it is on the right course, and Mr Kunda is right by stating that in the area of decision making, and in line with international protocols, the Government has remained committed to the African Union solemn declaration of gender equality in Africa, which requires member states to achieve gender parity in decision-making positions.

But the statement by Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council chairperson, Marian Munyinda also reminds us that a lot more needs to be done.

Ms Munyinda noted that although the Government had addressed a number of issues affecting women, many areas still needed to be addressed, such as the unequal number of women in decision-making positions.

For example, at present, there are only three women Cabinet ministers in Zambia out of 25, 22 members of Parliament out of 158, and about seven per cent councillors countrywide.

This and many other issues should occupy large spaces in manifestos political parties are preparing for next year's elections.