‘Don’t Silence Women in Politics’

Gender body says attacks against female candidates undermine efforts to increase women’s leadership and calls for issue-based campaigns ahead of August 13 elections

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 1-08-2026 -- The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has warned political leaders against statements and actions that could silence women in politics, saying President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks against independent Mwandi parliamentary aspirant Iris Kaingu risk undermining efforts to promote women’s participation in leadership and discourage young women from contesting elective positions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the organisation was concerned and disappointed by what it described as disparaging remarks made by President Hichilema against Ms. Kaingu during his campaign trail in Mwandi, Western Province.

Ms. Katebe said the comments were particularly concerning because Ms. Kaingu was exercising her constitutional right to contest elective office and should be encouraged rather than subjected to personal attacks.

“The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council notes with deep concern and disappointment the disparaging remarks made by President Hakainde Hichilema against Ms. Iris Kaingu, an independent aspiring parliamentary candidate for Mwandi Constituency,” she said.

NGOCC said the remarks came despite President Hichilema’s previous commitments to advancing women’s leadership, including his repeated reference to himself as the “Minister of Gender” and his support for legal reforms aimed at promoting women and youth participation in decision-making.

The organisation said there was a need for consistency between commitments made by leaders and their conduct during political campaigns, arguing that women who enter politics should be nurtured, supported and mentored.

“Young women who demonstrate the courage to participate in politics should be nurtured, encouraged and mentored, not intimidated by the immense weight and influence of the Presidency,” Ms. Katebe said.

She said democracy was strengthened when young people, particularly women, could participate in public leadership without fear of ridicule, harassment or abuse.

NGOCC further alleged that attacks against Ms. Kaingu intensified following the President’s remarks, citing a derogatory song allegedly composed by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters targeting the independent candidate.

The organisation said the alleged attacks, together with public comments from some political figures, created an environment that could discourage women from participating in politics regardless of their political affiliation.

“Such conduct creates an environment that discourages women from participating in politics and undermines national efforts to increase women’s representation in decision-making,” NGOCC said.

The gender advocacy body has since condemned what it termed Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE), including intimidation, harassment, demeaning language and personal attacks against women seeking political office.

NGOCC called on the UPND and all political parties to conduct campaigns based on policies, ideas and solutions rather than personal attacks, saying Zambia deserves elections characterised by respect, tolerance and meaningful debate on issues affecting citizens.

“As Head of State, the President occupies a unique position of influence and bears a corresponding responsibility to foster an environment in which all citizens can freely exercise their constitutional and political rights,” Ms. Katebe said.

She said statements from the Presidency should promote respectful political engagement, inspire confidence in democratic participation and encourage greater inclusion of women and young people in leadership.

NGOCC noted that women in Zambia continue to face significant structural barriers to political participation, reflected in their low representation in elected and appointed leadership positions.

The organisation warned that public discourse that demeans or targets women aspiring for office risks reinforcing these barriers and undermining national and international commitments towards gender equality and inclusive governance.

As Zambia heads towards the August 13, 2026 General Elections, NGOCC has urged all political actors to uphold the Constitution, respect human dignity and safeguard every citizen’s right to freely participate in the democratic process.

“Let these elections be remembered for the contestation of ideas rather than the denigration of individuals,” NGOCC said, while calling on all stakeholders to respect the rights and freedoms of Ms. Kaingu and all women seeking political office.