Ubuntu and Gender Inequality: Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s Appropriation of Ubuntu in Promoting Gender Equality in the Soli Chiefdom in Zambia

This chapter explores the ways in which traditional leaders have contributed towards addressing gender inequalities in society. Using the work of Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II of the Soli chiefdom in Lusaka province, the chapter specifically focuses on how African Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly Ubuntu, was appropriated to curb gender inequality in the Zambian society. It draws on a qualitative desk research and Ubuntu as an analytical lens. It shows that chieftainship as a symbol of political, social and cultural power was recognised as a key institution in shifting harmful gender norms and advancing gender equality. It further demonstrates that Chieftainess Nkomeshya was addressing gender inequality as guided by the provisions of the Zambia’s 2014 National Gender Policy which requires that traditional leaders promote gender equality in their chiefdoms and principles of Ubuntu. As such, gender equality was promoted through fostering advocacy campaigns, taking a proactive role in rolling out the campaign against child marriages and gender-based violence and using traditional ceremonies as sites for changing mindset and attitudes on gender inequality. These initiatives were closely aligned to Ubuntu’s central focus on one’s relations with the entire community and the value of humanity. The chapter argues that Ubuntu could be considered significant for addressing gender inequality as envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG number 5.