Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth was installed as the Senior Headwoman Butambo of Bweengwa Village in the Hamusonde Chiefdom, Monze District, Southern Province, Zambia on March 1, 2025 at historically and culturally significant ceremony.
The coronation, presided over by His Royal Highness Chief Hamusonde, was a rare honour for a international personality and highlighted Patricia Scotland’s close connections with Zambia. The previous day, on February 28, 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema bestowed upon her the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 2nd Division, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of her contributions to peace, justice, and Zambian political stability.
The installation ceremony, conducted in the rural heartland of Bweengwa, drew a large throng of locals, dignitaries, and international visitors. Chief Hamusonde adorned Baroness Scotland with traditional regalia, symbolising her new position as Senior Headwoman Butambo.
The chiefdom recognised Scotland for her crucial role in promoting peace and the rule of law, particularly her mediation in the 2017 release of President Hakainde Hichilema from prison during a political crisis. Following heightened political tensions with the administration of former President Edgar Lungu, Hichilema, the opposition leader at the time, was arrested on treason accusations. The Commonwealth, led by Scotland, acted as a neutral mediator, securing Hichilema’s release and preventing further turmoil.
What is the Order of the Eagle of Zambia?
The Order of the Eagle of Zambia is the country’s highest civil honour, instituted on October 23, 1965. It honours those who have contributed significantly to Zambia’s socioeconomic development and governance. The order includes four classes: Grand Commander (GCEZ), Grand Officer (GOEZ), Officer (OEZ), and Member (MEZ).
The Grand Officer (GOEZ) is the second-highest class in this order. The recipients of this class are recognised for their outstanding service and dedication to the country. For instance, in 2020, President Edgar Lungu bestowed the Order of the Eagle of Zambia Second Division on James Mapoma in appreciation of his significant contributions to the country’s socioeconomic development and governance throughout a long career in the civil service and at the ministerial level.
The order’s insignia is a gold eight-pointed star with a central black enamel medallion edged in red and depicting a gold eagle with outstretched wings, a prominent symbol from Zambia’s national emblem. The accompanying ribbon is divided equally into purple and black segments.
This distinguished award not only recognises individual accomplishments, but also inspires others to constructively contribute to Zambia’s progress.
Scotland’s enduring Zambian connection
Apart from Patricia Scotland’s mediation efforts in 2017, during a period of heightened political tension, where Scotland played a pivotal role in mediating between the then-government and opposition leaders, she has contributed in several other ways for the progress of Zambia.
As Commonwealth Secretary-General, Scotland has consistently championed the principles of democracy, human rights, and good governance. Her commitment to these values has had a positive impact on Zambia’s political landscape, fostering a culture of peace and unity.
Under Scotland’s leadership, the Commonwealth supported and oversaw Zambia’s voting processes, ensuring transparency and impartiality. This aid was critical in facilitating the peaceful transition of power and developing the country’s democratic institutions.
Significance of the Award
The presentation of this distinguished award to Patricia Scotland recognises the critical role that international organisations and their leaders play in promoting and developing democratic processes within member nations. The award also represents the growth of Zambia’s relations with the Commonwealth, emphasising mutual respect and collaboration. By honouring Scotland, Zambia emphasises the need of ongoing advocacy for human rights, democracy, and good governance, both domestically and internationally.
Patricia Scotland named Senior Headwoman Butambo
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland was additionally awarded the title of Senior Headwoman Butambo in the Bweengwa region of Monze District, Southern Province, Zambia. Chief Hamusonde bestowed this honorary title upon her in recognition of her unrelenting dedication to promoting peace, security, and the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth, including Zambia.
In Zambian culture, the term “headwoman” refers to a female traditional leader who holds power within a community or village. This function is essential to the local governance framework, as the headwoman works with other traditional leaders to manage community affairs, mediate conflicts, and maintain cultural practices.
The headwoman engages in decision-making procedures concerning the community’s welfare and growth, as well as mediating conflicts among community members to ensure peace and conformity to customary laws. The headwoman is also responsible for preserving and promoting the community’s cultural traditions, rituals, and values.
Significance of installing a woman in Zambian Society
While Zambia has generally been a patriarchal country, there has been a significant shift towards recognising and supporting women in leadership positions. Organisations like as We Effect Zambia have played an important role in this development, particularly in Chadiza District, where there has been a surge in female leadership. These programs have enabled women to reach their full potential in government and community leadership.
The rise of headwomen represents progress towards gender equality and the incorporation of varied perspectives into leadership. Their participation contributes to community development and demonstrates Zambia’s overall commitment to women’s empowerment.
Scotland’s legacy
Patricia Scotland was born in Dominica on August 19, 1955, and has had a notable career in law, politics, and international service. She made history in 1991 when, at the age of 35, she became the UK’s first Black female Queen’s Counsel, a prestigious honour that recognised her extraordinary legal knowledge. Scotland’s career was further reinforced in 2007 when she was appointed Attorney General for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where she advocated for human rights, gender equality, and legal reform.
In 2016, she was appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, making her the first woman and second person to occupy the position. As Secretary-General, Scotland has advocated for democracy, climate change mitigation, and women’s empowerment, particularly in disadvantaged countries.
She has played an important role in expanding the Commonwealth’s worldwide impact and campaigning for peace and development among member states.
Throughout her career, Scotland has been dedicated to justice, equality, and the rule of law, using her leadership roles to effect constructive change both in the United Kingdom as well as globally.
