Zambian Women Face Sexual Harassment Ahead of August Elections

Female political candidates in Zambia are being asked for sexual favors by male party officials in exchange for endorsements as the country prepares for August elections. A government gender equality official has received 10 complaints of such harassment from women seeking party backing. Women's rights activists are calling the practice "sextortion" and have formed a committee to address the issue.

LUSAKA, Zambia — Women’s rights advocates and political leaders in Zambia are raising alarms about female election hopefuls being pressured for sexual favors by high-ranking male party leaders who control endorsements.

The troubling pattern gained widespread attention this week when a senior government gender equality official revealed she had fielded 10 harassment complaints from women seeking party support for Zambia’s upcoming August national elections.

Mainga Kabika, who serves as permanent secretary of the government’s Gender Division, disclosed Monday that the complaints detailed how “various political party officials, including chairpersons, youth leaders and those holding senior positions, are asking for sexual favours” as a condition for backing women candidates and funding their campaigns.

“I appeal to all female aspiring candidates to secure evidence against suspects,” Kabika stated. She declined to identify which parties or specific officials were involved in the allegations.

Saboi Imboela, who leads the opposition National Democratic Congress party, told The Associated Press Wednesday that this disturbing cycle repeats during every election period, with qualified candidates frequently pushed aside for refusing to submit to such demands.

“As a result, the wrong candidates are selected while deserving individuals are left out. This must be fought at all costs,” she explained.

Imboela, a former recording artist, revealed that female politicians and advocacy groups including the Zambia National Women’s Lobby have established a special committee to combat what she termed the “sextortion” of women in politics. The group operates a toll-free hotline for victims, she noted.

The August 13 elections will determine not only Zambia’s president but also parliamentary representatives and local council members. The southern African country already struggles with limited female political participation, with women holding just 15% of Parliament seats according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organization tracking legislative bodies.

Golden Nachibinga, who directs the Zambia National Women’s Lobby, explained that past accusations of officials demanding sexual compliance during pre-election periods have deterred women from pursuing political careers.

Venna Banda, who seeks to run for mayor representing the governing United Party for National Development, acknowledged facing sexual harassment during her own political journey and encouraged female politicians to “refuse,” while recognizing that newcomers and less-established candidates face particular vulnerability.

Women’s advocacy organizations describe Zambia as a stable democracy operating within a predominantly conservative and male-dominated cultural framework.

Last year, Zambia enacted legislation guaranteeing at least 20 parliamentary seats for women while also working to boost representation for youth and disabled citizens. President Hakainde Hichilema has recognized gender imbalances in Zambian politics, though he selected Mutale Nalumango, a woman, as his vice president.