Zambian Politicians Accused of Demanding Sexual Favors from Women Candidates
A senior Zambian government official has stated that some political parties are asking prospective female candidates for sexual favors in exchange for selection ahead of the August general election.
I am going to appeal to all female aspiring candidates to ensure that they record all these cases, Mainga Kabika, the civil service head of the gender division in the president's office, said on Monday.
Although Kabika did not name the involved political parties, she confirmed that numerous women had reported being solicited for sexual favors as part of the candidacy selection process.
The issue of women's representation in Zambian politics is alarming, with only about 15% of Members of Parliament being women. This significant gender imbalance reflects deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers, as noted in a statement from the presidency last year.
At a recent conference addressed by Kabika, she confirmed receiving numerous reports from women regarding the demands made upon them: This situation is very troubling as it discourages many women from participating in politics, particularly as candidates, stated Beauty Katebe, chair of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council.
Katebe highlighted that many women have experienced what she termed sextortion during the nomination process, urging any affected individuals to report their experiences. However, she also acknowledged the cultural biases and societal stigma such victims face.
Calls for reform have emerged, including the establishment of a fast-track court to handle allegations swiftly and the implementation of stricter laws against sexual harassment of women in political contexts. Advocates argue that visibility and accountability are crucial to preventing such abuses in the future.
Despite some recent high-profile appointments of women in politics, such as Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, there remains a considerable gap in gender equity within leadership positions in Zambia. As the general election on August 13 approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that aspiring female politicians are not deterred by such misconduct.
