THE fight for equal pay in Zambian football has seen a positive development, with the Copper Queens receiving a significant boost in their winning bonus.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Elvis Nkandu acknowledged the historical disparity, revealing that under the previous administration, the team received a meager K50 as winning bonus per player .
However, this has changed under the current government. The winning bonus for the Copper Queens was significantly increased to US$5,000, demonstrating a commitment to closing the gap between the women’s and men’s national teams.
Nkandu proudly declared Zambia as the only country in Africa where female players receive equal compensation to their male counterparts.
This financial boost coincides with the Copper Queens’ historic qualification for the Paris Olympics, a testament to their talent and hard work.
Nkandu said he always had confidence that Copper Queens would qualify for the Olympics and expressed delight to be the minister spearheading sports development.
“Copper Queens have never disappointed us. I (always) believed they would turn the tables and qualify to the Olympic games.” Nkandu said as he praised the Zambian team that had lost 2-1 in a first leg Match at home to Morocco but turned the table around to beat them 2-0 in the return leg yesterday.
“There is a motivation behind the positive results when we came into office these girls were getting k50 as winning bonus and the President (Hakainde Hichilema) announced that they (will) get US$5000 because we wanted to equate them with men I’m proud as a minister.”
Zambia’s efforts come amidst a global push for equal treatment in football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had expressed his desire for equal prize money at the World Cup, although challenges remain in achieving this goal.
One country that has achieved complete pay equity for its men’s and women’s national football teams is Norway. They implemented this policy in 2017, becoming a pioneer in the fight for equal compensation in the sport.
Despite the ongoing struggle, Zambia’s progress is noteworthy. The country is emerging as a leader in pay equity for women’s football within Africa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 11, 2024
