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
#genderequalityGENDER 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
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