Paper short abstract:

As people's representatives, parliamentarians have an authoritative voice on speaking about how inequalities affect their citizens. What Parliament is doing in combating global inequalities and the opportunities for it to do even more, including partnership with development actors is analysed.

Paper long abstract:

It has been observed that various actors in development such as civil society organisations (CSOs), faith based organisations and academicians are involved in combating global inequalities. This is not surprising as the effects of global and national inequalities have unleashed unprecedented negative consequences on people's lives across the world and it is urgent that solutions be found to counteract these impacts.

The experts, CSOs and others well versed in global inequalities have voiced the hopelessness and anguish of those affected and has even gone further to offer solutions. However, are there still more voices which need to be heard on behalf of those affected by global inequalities? In answering that question, this paper directs attention to the role that Parliament and its Members can play in combating national and global inequalities.

Parliament is a bridge between people and the Executive wing of government. Parliament can strengthen the bridge between the people and development actors. By including Parliament and its Members in combating global inequalities, the voice of the people is heard even louder. The solutions offered get to be a reflection of what people want locally or nationally, as well as globally. By involving Parliament, almost every corner of the world is represented in combating national and global inequalities.

This paper is a critical analysis of the role parliament has played or is playing in Zambia towards combating inequalities.