GENDER DIVISION WELCOMES SUBCIZ AWARD The Gender Division has commended the Standing Up for Boy Child Initiative Zambia (SUBCIZ) for its efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive development for both boys and girls. This follows a courtesy call by the organisation to present the Gender Equality and Inclusion Champion Award, which was conferred by South Africa’s Go Getters Movement Organisation on 23rd May, 2026 in recognition of collaborative efforts to advance gender equality across Africa. SUBCIZ Founder and CEO, Ms. Mildred Chinyanta Nyirenda, dedicated the award to President Hakainde Hichilema for his commitment to ensuring that the boy child is not left behind. She noted that the organisation was established to address challenges affecting boys and young men, including mental health issues, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and high school dropout rates. Speaking on behalf of Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika, Acting Permanent Secretary Andrea Habweza praised SUBCIZ for complementing government efforts to provide equal opportunities for all children regardless of gender. He reaffirmed government's commitment to a balanced approach to gender equity and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders supporting the empowerment and development of both boys and girls.

GENDER DIVISION URGES POLITICAL PARTIES TO ELIMINATE INTIMIDATION OF WOMEN IN POLITICS LUSAKA, 29th April, 2026 - The Gender Division under the Cabinet Office has noted with grave concern persistent reports of “Intimidation” of women aspiring for political positions across the country particularly from top party officials. Reports indicate that women are being requested to aspire for lower positions instead of what they want. Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika has urged political parties to put in place measures that will not disadvantage women in politics and create an environment where women can participate in the socio-economic and political life without fear of exploitation, harassment and abuse. "The act of party leaders intimidating women seeking elective office is not merely an internal party matter; it is a serious form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and a predatory deterrent from gender equality in the country. This practice is a fundamental violation of human rights and a direct assault on our democratic values ", Said the Permanent Secretary. The Permanent Secretary has reiterated that political intimidate of female candidates serves as one of the most significant non-financial barriers to women’s political participation in Zambia. It silences capable voices, undermines meritocracy, and prevents the country from achieving gender parity in decision-making positions. The Permanent Secretary calls for all Political Parties to put in place the following interventions: 1. All political parties are urged to adopt and strictly enforce written codes of conduct that explicitly define and prohibit any form of intimidation or discouragement. 2. Internal Grievance Mechanisms for safe, anonymous, and independent reporting channels for women candidates who face any form of intimidation. 3. Any party official found to be intimidating female candidates in whatever form should be immediately relieved of their duties and handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution. Any woman facing any form of intimidation are encouraged to call the National Gender-Based Violence Call Centre—Toll-Free Helpline 944 to receive professional counselling, legal guidance, and support in a completely confidential environment. -ENDS #WomenInPolitics #GBV #genderequality

ZAMBIA PUSHES LEGISLATIVE REFORMS AS WOMEN'S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION LAGS BELOW 30% Government has placed women’s political participation at the center of its reform agenda, with President Hakainde Hichilema announcing a push to dismantle long-standing barriers through legislative and policy changes. In a speech delivered on his behalf, Justice Minister, Hon. Princess Kasune MP, at the opening of the three day Conference on Accelerating Women’s Political Participation and Leadership in Lusaka, said urgent action is needed to close the gap between population and representation. "Despite making up 51 percent of Zambians, women hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions." President Hichilema noted. Additionally, The Head of State further reaffirmed Government's commitment to promoting women's participation in politics and leadership. Adding that Zambia has undertaken series of reforms aimed at dismantling these barriers that have historically affected women’s political participation. The conference, convened by the Gender Division, Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ, UNDP, NGOCC, the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue, and other cooperating partners, drew calls for both structural reform and cultural change. Meanwhile, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, echoed the concern, noting that women’s numerical majority has not translated into political solidarity at the polls or in party structures. Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to back women pursuing leadership, while UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali said the 2026 general elections will be a litmus test of Zambia’s commitment to gender equality. NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe warned that Zambia cannot reach its full democratic potential while women remain sidelined from decision-making spaces. With reforms on the table and the 2026 elections approaching, the conference signaled a shift from dialogue to accountability. Stakeholders agreed that increasing women’s representation will require laws, enforcement, and a change in how political spaces treat women candidates. -ENDS