A senior Zambian government official has reported that some political parties are demanding sexual favors from prospective female candidates in exchange for their selection ahead of the August general election. Mainga Kabika, head of the gender division in the president's office, called for all female aspiring candidates to document these cases, revealing that numerous women have communicated similar experiences. This is unacceptable, she asserted during a conference of state prosecutors.
While specific political parties involved were not named, this troubling situation reflects the deeply entrenched cultural and structural barriers contributing to the under-representation of women in Zambian politics, where currently only about 15% of Members of Parliament are female. Kabika emphasized that many women have come forward to attest to the coercive climate they endure during the nomination process, often described as sextortion. Beauty Katebe, chair of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, echoed concerns about this alarming trend, advocating for more decisive actions against sexual harassment in political spheres.
Katebe proposed establishing a fast-track court for addressing allegations swiftly and called for stricter laws to deter sexual harassment. She articulated that the patriarchal structure of political parties significantly hinders women's participation, and corrective measures must be taken.”
The Zambian presidency acknowledged the gender imbalance in politics last year, indicating a need for further improvements despite some high-profile female political appointments. As the general election date approaches, significant reforms and societal change are paramount to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political landscape for women in Zambia.
