Partner Profile: Bridget Kalaba
Deputy, Director, Parliamentary Reforms Department, National Assembly of Zambia
Q: What is your current role in your parliament, and what does a typical day look like?
A: I serve as Deputy Director in the Parliamentary Reforms Department of the Zambian Parliament. A typical day involves responding to official correspondence, attending meetings, developing and reviewing concept notes, proposals, and progress reports for different activities and projects. I am also actively involved in coordinating activities related to the Institutional Strategic Plan, particularly in planning, monitoring, and reporting on implementation progress. Additionally, I regularly engage with both internal and external stakeholders on ongoing initiatives and prospective projects.
Q: How did you first become involved in parliamentary work - and what motivates you?
A: For the first 11 years of my career, I worked for two non-governmental organisations. During that time, I had the opportunity to appear before Parliamentary Committees, which sparked my interest in the inner workings of parliament. When a position was advertised for a role that aligned perfectly with my skills and passion, I applied and was fortunate to be selected. I am deeply motivated by a strong commitment to democratic governance, effective leadership, and meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholders.
Q: What is one project or initiative you’re particularly proud of?
A: Since 2014, I have been involved in the European Union Support to the National Assembly project, and I am proud to witness the significant and tangible outcomes it has delivered. Notably, the project played a key role in the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office and in strengthening the capacity of both members of parliament and existing staff. It has also been instrumental in supporting the recently launched reform on sector budget analysis, marking an important step forward in enhancing parliamentary oversight and fiscal governance.
Q: How has international collaboration (like Inter Pares) influenced your work or perspective?
A: This experience has broadened my understanding of not only the role and work of parliaments, but also of different cultures and the value of continuous improvement in both my professional and personal life. I have come to appreciate that the Zambian Parliament is making significant strides in several key areas but I have also recognised that there is still room for growth, particularly in ensuring our parliament remains relevant, open, and accessible to the public.
Q: Who has been a mentor or inspiration to you in your career?
A: The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt. Honourable Ms Nelly B. K. Mutti, SC, MP, has been a great source of inspiration. As the first female Speaker of the Zambian Legislature and a distinguished State Counsel, she has broken significant ground in both law and governance. Her leadership not only paves the way for greater female representation but also inspires me and countless women in Zambia and beyond to believe in the ability of women to lead, influence policy, and shape the future.
Q: What book, podcast, or movie has recently inspired you?
A: "The Beautiful Game" is a powerful film inspired by the Homeless World Cup, a global tournament that brings together homeless individuals from around the world to compete in grassroots football, using sport as a tool to combat homelessness and stigma. Set in Rome, the story follows an English team as they pursue victory and personal redemption. The film inspires me to believe that when given an opportunity, people can rise above their challenges through diligence and consistency.
Learn more about our partnership with The National Assembly of Zambia.
Partner Profile: Giovanni Rizzoni
Head of the Unit for Parliamentary Cooperation and Capacity Building at the Italian Chamber of Deputies
Q: How did you first become involved in parliamentary work — and what motivates you?
A: I have been working in the Italian Chamber of Deputies’ administration for many years and in different positions. My job has provided the invaluable opportunity to see democracy in action. I am fascinated by how a very complex institution like parliament manages to find a political synthesis on any kind of topic every day.
Q: How has international collaboration (like Inter Pares) influenced your work or perspective?
A: Today, you really cannot do your job effectively without knowing the best practices of other parliaments. I greatly benefited from initiatives like Inter Pares as formidable incubators of cooperation projects with other Parliaments: as they contribute to creating a real community of professionals committed to supporting parliamentary democracy in and beyond Europe.
Q: What book, podcast, or movie has recently inspired you?
A: The movie “The darkest hour” by Joe Wright: a marvelous description on how the British Parliament and Winston Churchill faced one of the worst moments in the history of the country. For a lighter touch, I would mention ‘The Favourite’ by Yorgos Lanthimos: a wild and hilarious metaphor on the rise of the parliamentary system in early 18th century England.
Q: If you weren’t working in parliament, what would you be doing?
A: I don’t know, but I’m sure it would be a far less interesting job.
Learn more about our partnership with the Parliament of Nepal.