NGOCC Condemns Sexism



Council warns against targeting women in elections

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (13-01-2026) – The Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned sexist remarks aired by Simon Mwewa Lane Television on 9th January 2026, which suggested that a single woman is "unworkable" for Mayor and that the role should be reserved for a "family man," calling the statements a direct attack on women’s rights and a violation of the Zambian Constitution and the Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015.

NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe told journalists in a statement that judging women by their marital status is a form of psychological violence that reinforces harmful stereotypes. 

She warned that these remarks could discourage women from running for President, Parliament, or Local Authority positions in the August 2026 elections.

"Leadership is not about being married. A woman’s ability should be measured by her vision, integrity, and service to the people—not her marital status," she added.

NGOCC has issued four demands to protect women in politics. Simon Mwewa Lane Television must retract the statement and commit to fair reporting. Political parties should enforce strict "Zero Tolerance" policies against sexist campaigning. 

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must monitor and sanction violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Citizens are urged to reject leaders who promote discrimination.

The council also asked the public to report all forms of electoral violence—verbal, psychological, or physical—through the toll-free helpline: 116. 

NGOCC will document all cases and forward them to the relevant authorities. Katebe emphasized that women’s leadership is an asset, not a threat, and called for zero tolerance of gender-based harassment in the 2026 elections.

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