Gender Rights Under Threat
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24, --- (27-12-2015) — Gender rights in Zambia remain under serious threat, with women and girls continuing to face high levels of violence, economic hardship, and stalled reforms, the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has warned as 2025 comes to a close.
NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told journalists in a statement that the persistent prevalence of gender-based violence is a stark indicator that Zambia’s commitments to gender equality have not translated into tangible protection for women and girls.
She revealed that Zambia recorded an average of about 10,400 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases per quarter in 2025, almost unchanged from 2024. Data from the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit show that by the third quarter of 2025, GBV cases had risen to 31,246, up from 29,800 cases during the same period last year. Women and girls accounted for nearly 79 percent of all victims.
Katebe acknowledged legal reforms, including amendments to the Anti-GBV Act and classification of serious sexual offences as non-bailable.
However, she said laws alone are insufficient without accessible shelters, counselling, medical care, and adequate funding to the Anti-GBV Fund.
The NGOCC also highlighted the energy crisis as a major factor worsening gender inequality. Prolonged power outages have disrupted livelihoods, reduced household incomes, and increased the unpaid care burden on women.
Katebe called for a clear, time-bound plan for energy diversification, prioritising affordable renewable energy.
The high cost of living was another pressing concern.
Katebe attributed it to the 2023/2024 drought, food shortages, load-shedding, and a weakening Kwacha.
Although inflation declined from 16.5 percent in April to 10.9 percent in November, food prices remained high, pushing the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket far beyond average household incomes.
She warned that these economic pressures increase risks of school dropouts, early marriages, transactional sex, and food insecurity, while amplifying caregiving responsibilities on women, especially in the informal sector.
On institutional reforms, NGOCC expressed frustration over the continued non-operationalisation of the Gender Equity and Equality Commission, nearly ten years after the Gender Equity and Equality Act of 2015.
Katebe said the delay has stalled gender mainstreaming across laws, budgets, and public institutions, and called for the Commission to become fully operational in 2026.
NGOCC also criticised the government’s failure to reform the Public Order Act, describing it as outdated and prone to abuse.
Katebe warned that the law threatens civil liberties and democratic participation, particularly ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The organisation further expressed concern that the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025 did not adequately address women’s underrepresentation in governance.
While monitoring its implementation, Katebe said NGOCC will continue advocating for affirmative action in constituency-based seats.
With the August 13, 2026 General Elections approaching, NGOCC warned that the electoral framework still entrenches gender imbalances at both parliamentary and local government levels.
Katebe urged lawmakers to introduce mandatory gender quotas to ensure equitable representation.
Reflecting on NGOCC’s 40 years of advocacy, Katebe said 2025 exposed the persistent gap between policies and real outcomes for women and girls.
She warned that without urgent action on GBV, economic justice, institutional reform, and democratic freedoms, gender rights will continue to be under threat.
“Gender equality cannot be postponed,” Katebe said. “It must be protected, resourced, and enforced now.”
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