Demographic Perspectives on Gender Inequality: A Comparative Study of the Provinces in Zambia

An analysis of census data from the Central Statistics Office using comparative analysis for the years 2000 and 2010 was done to understand demographic changes and gender inequality in education, income and working population in Zambia. Findings indicate that the population of Zambia increased from 9.9 million in 2000 to 13.1 million in 2010. The decadal growth rate for the population was 32.4 In 2010, the overall TFR for the country was 5.9 while the fertility levels were higher in provinces with predominantly rural socio-economic characteristics. For instance, in Luapula Province the TFR, CBR and Child women ratio were 7.3, 39 and 835, respectively. On the other hand, the TFR, CBR and Child women ratio for Northern Province were 7.1, 41 and 880, respectively. The findings shows that the adult literacy rates was higher among males (77%) compared to the females (58%). As a consequence the gender parity index was 0.96. Labour force participation rate for the population aged 15 years and older was higher for the males (58%) than the females (44%). Furthermore, results showed a higher male (71%) percentage distribution of formal sector employed population 15 years and older compared to females (29%). Results also showed that males earned more than females in formal sector employment in all the provinces. There is gender inequality in working population by employment status, income and sex. This outcome shows the need for Government to implement the National Gender Policy to reduce the discrepancy that exists between males and females in education and employment.