Sextortion Threatens Women
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (18-03-2026) -- The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has warned that sextortion—where female aspiring candidates are asked for sexual favours in exchange for party adoption—is threatening women’s participation in politics and must be urgently addressed ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Ms. Annie Mbewe-Anamela said told Zambia24 that the council is deeply concerned over revelations of this abuse, which aligns with long-standing concerns NGOCC has consistently raised during engagements with female aspirants across the country.
She said the challenges highlighted by reflect persistent risks female aspirants face during party adoption processes.
Many women fear being subjected to sextortion, which creates significant barriers to inclusive governance and equal political participation.
Ms. Mbewe-Anamela explained that sextortion discourages women from contesting leadership positions, worsens their underrepresentation, and erodes public trust in political systems.
She noted that young women are particularly affected, with their leadership ambitions often curtailed, while sextortion reinforces entrenched patriarchal norms and deepens gender inequality in political spaces.
She highlighted Section 137A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sexual harassment, including sexual bribery, prescribing penalties of three to fifteen years upon conviction.
Ms. Mbewe-Anamela said many cases remain unreported due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of safe and credible reporting mechanisms.
To curb sextortion, Ms. Mbewe-Anamela said NGOCC supports the establishment of a dedicated task force and stronger evidence-gathering systems for female candidates.
She added that Fast Track Courts should be introduced to ensure swift handling of cases, especially during the election season.
Ms. Mbewe-Anamela urged that the ongoing review of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act should reinforce provisions addressing sexual harassment.
She stressed that political parties must adopt and enforce mandatory safeguarding policies, while sexual harassment should lead to immediate dismissal and reporting to law enforcement agencies.
She also called for the implementation of Article 60 of the Constitution and the enactment of a Political Parties law, noting that the absence of such legislation continues to weaken transparency and accountability in candidate selection processes.
Ms. Mbewe-Anamela urged political parties, state institutions, and the justice system to act collectively to dismantle barriers that expose women to abuse.
She said safeguarding women’s dignity and participation is critical to Zambia’s democratic and developmental progress.
She encouraged women in politics who encounter sextortion to report cases using toll-free lines 933, 116, or 944.
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