Gender Division - GD

19/08/2026

07/08/2026

*WEEKLY BULLETIN* - 7th AUGUST, 2026.

Attached is the Gender Division's disaggregated data from the National GBV Call Centre 944 for a period 28th July and 3rd August, 2026, showing both progress and areas that need improvement.

The reported data indicate a total of 31 GBV cases across the four categories of violence: physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence. Female survivors accounted for 25 cases, while males accounted for 6 cases, indicating that females constituted the majority of reported cases.

Physical violence recorded the highest number of cases (13), followed by sexual violence (11), emotional violence (4), and economic violence (3). Sexual violence cases were reported exclusively among females, while male cases were recorded mainly under physical violence, with one case of emotional violence.

The cases were reported across several provinces and districts, demonstrating the continued occurrence of GBV in different parts of the country. The distribution highlights the importance of strengthening prevention, reporting, referral, and response mechanisms, particularly for women and girls who accounted for the majority of reported cases.

02/08/2026

*GEWEL 2 PROJECT SCOOPS 3RD PRIZE AT 98TH AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL SHOW.*

Earlier today, on the 2nd of August, 2026, the GEWEL 2 Project won 3rd prize under "Best Women Entreprise Exhibit in Commercial" at the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show.

The award was presented to GEWEL 2 in recognition of its outstanding exhibition, showcasing women led enterprise and livlihood initiatives.

The implementation of the Project is coordinated by the Gender Division, as it focuses on empowering women, the vulnerable households and some girls from vulnerable households through grants, skills training and economic resilience.

The award reaffirms government's commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development across Zambia.

-ENDS-

25/07/2026

*GENDER DIVISION ACTING PERMANENT SECRETARY CALLS FOR STRENGTHED COORDINATION TO CURB GBV.*

Gender Division Acting Permanent Secretary Andrea Habweza, has called for strengthened multisectoral coordination to combat Gender Based Violence in Zambia, including emerging threats such as Technology Facilitated- GBV.

Speaking during the Anti-GBV Technical Working Group Coordination meeting, Mr Habweza said the meeting comes at the right time to deepen the understanding of GBV, and child marriage while sharing experiences, challenges and recommendations.

"As we work towards combating the vice, our focus should be at the grassroots in Provinces and Districts, thats where GBV is more prevelent." He added.

He noted that government referral pathways and case management systems are now equipped to handle GBV emphasising the need for coordination among key stakeholders.

He thanked cooperating partners, particularly SAT Zambia for supporting the second quarter Anti-GBV Coordination TWG meeting, calling on other partners to emulate the same gesture.

ENDS-

23/07/2026

IN TODAYS’ HER JOURNEY, HER STRENGTH FEATURE - MUKENA SICHILIMA EMBODIES A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE.

In the city of Lusaka, is a woman breaking gender stereotypes hindering women from realizing their full potential. Mukena Sichilima is a distinguished Community Development Specialist and psycho Social Counselor.
Rising from humble beginnings to leadership and management roles, Mukena's journey is a testament to resilience and lifelong learning.
From serving as a cleaner, to running a successful humanitarian organization, she credits her career growth to her steadfast commitment to career development.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, her true passion lies in community development.
She perfectly compasses the philosophy, of utilizing her extensive background to uplift the most vulnerable underprivileged groups and women of communities though, championing economic independence to break cycles of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
She redefines economic empowerment and development in the modern landscape of community development, believing that true progress requires more than just systemic planning; it demands grassroots passion and a deep understanding of human dynamics.

Her famous slogan is "Development starts now".

A central pillar of her advocacy is teaching female home makers who provide unpaid care and domestic services to their families the vital importance of financial independence because they lack economic empowerment, are at a much higher risk of facing Gender Based Violence. By helping female home makers who provide unpaid care domestic services realize their economic potential and self-worth, Mukena provides them with the tangible tools needed to secure a safer, more stable environment and future.

A Call to Action for the community living by her famous, driving slogan, "Development starts today and now," she refuses to wait for tomorrow to make an impact.

Her hands on approach working with grassroots groups continuously bridges the gap between administrative theory and tangible community growth. The philanthropist’s multifaceted career serves as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for effective leadership, proving that professional success and community service can go hand in hand.

Mukena believes that women can maximize their potential if only they believe in themselves.
Ends

26/06/2026

*PPDF MAKES POSITIVE STRIDES AS GENDER DIVISION CALLS FOR SUSTAINED COLLABORATION AMONG ITS PARTNERS.*

Yesterday, 25th June, 2026, the Gender Division, hosted a Public Private Dialogue Forum- PPDF and Women Technical Working Group TWG meeting with its cooperating partners aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing gender equality initiatives in the country.

The meeting chaired by acting Permanent Secretary, Andrea Habweza, provided a platform for stakeholders to identify key interventions in the implementation of gender related programmes and policies.

The participants stemmed from the Civil society organizations, development partners to government line ministries in a bid to eradicate gender inequality, curb GBV, while promoting social inclusion.

Discussions highlighted challenges related to the enforcement of gender responsive laws, coordination among stakeholders, resource mobilization, and barriers affecting women's participation and empowerment and further offering interventions.

Speaking during the meeting, Acting PS , Andrea Habweza, called for sustained dialogue and partnership in achieving inclusive development.

The forum also agreed on collaborative research in gender to generate empirical evidence for appropriate interventions.

-ENDS-

11/06/2026

*GENDER DIVISION WELCOMES SUBCIZ AWARD*

The Gender Division has commended the Standing Up for Boy Child Initiative Zambia (SUBCIZ) for its efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive development for both boys and girls. This follows a courtesy call by the organisation to present the Gender Equality and Inclusion Champion Award, which was conferred by South Africa’s Go Getters Movement Organisation on 23rd May, 2026 in recognition of collaborative efforts to advance gender equality across Africa.

SUBCIZ Founder and CEO, Ms. Mildred Chinyanta Nyirenda, dedicated the award to President Hakainde Hichilema for his commitment to ensuring that the boy child is not left behind. She noted that the organisation was established to address challenges affecting boys and young men, including mental health issues, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and high school dropout rates.

Speaking on behalf of Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika, Acting Permanent Secretary Andrea Habweza praised SUBCIZ for complementing government efforts to provide equal opportunities for all children regardless of gender. He reaffirmed government's commitment to a balanced approach to gender equity and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders supporting the empowerment and development of both boys and girls.

ENDS

30/04/2026

GENDER DIVISION URGES POLITICAL PARTIES TO ELIMINATE INTIMIDATION OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

LUSAKA, 29th April, 2026 - The Gender Division under the Cabinet Office has noted with grave concern persistent reports of “Intimidation” of women aspiring for political positions across the country particularly from top party officials. Reports indicate that women are being requested to aspire for lower positions instead of what they want.

Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika has urged political parties to put in place measures that will not disadvantage women in politics and create an environment where women can participate in the socio-economic and political life without fear of exploitation, harassment and abuse.

"The act of party leaders intimidating women seeking elective office is not merely an internal party matter; it is a serious form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and a predatory deterrent from gender equality in the country. This practice is a fundamental violation of human rights and a direct assault on our democratic values ", Said the Permanent Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary has reiterated that political intimidate of female candidates serves as one of the most significant non-financial barriers to women’s political participation in Zambia. It silences capable voices, undermines meritocracy, and prevents the country from achieving gender parity in decision-making positions.

The Permanent Secretary calls for all Political Parties to put in place the following interventions:
1. All political parties are urged to adopt and strictly enforce written codes of conduct that explicitly define and prohibit any form of intimidation or discouragement.

2. Internal Grievance Mechanisms for safe, anonymous, and independent reporting channels for women candidates who face any form of intimidation.

3. Any party official found to be intimidating female candidates in whatever form should be immediately relieved of their duties and handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Any woman facing any form of intimidation are encouraged to call the National Gender-Based Violence Call Centre—Toll-Free Helpline 944 to receive professional counselling, legal guidance, and support in a completely confidential environment.
-ENDS

22/04/2026

*ZAMBIA PUSHES LEGISLATIVE REFORMS AS WOMEN'S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION LAGS BELOW 30%*

Government has placed women’s political participation at the center of its reform agenda, with President Hakainde Hichilema announcing a push to dismantle long-standing barriers through legislative and policy changes.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Justice Minister, Hon. Princess Kasune MP, at the opening of the three day Conference on Accelerating Women’s Political Participation and Leadership in Lusaka, said urgent action is needed to close the gap between population and representation.

"Despite making up 51 percent of Zambians, women hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions." President Hichilema noted.

Additionally, The Head of State further reaffirmed Government's commitment to promoting women's participation in politics and leadership. Adding that Zambia has undertaken series of reforms aimed at dismantling these barriers that have historically affected women’s political participation.

The conference, convened by the Gender Division, Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ, UNDP, NGOCC, the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue, and other cooperating partners, drew calls for both structural reform and cultural change.

Meanwhile, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, echoed the concern, noting that women’s numerical majority has not translated into political solidarity at the polls or in party structures.

Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to back women pursuing leadership, while UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali said the 2026 general elections will be a litmus test of Zambia’s commitment to gender equality.

NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe warned that Zambia cannot reach its full democratic potential while women remain sidelined from decision-making spaces.

With reforms on the table and the 2026 elections approaching, the conference signaled a shift from dialogue to accountability. Stakeholders agreed that increasing women’s representation will require laws, enforcement, and a change in how political spaces treat women candidates.
-ENDS-

11/03/2026

*PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WARNS ABUSERS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.*

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned abusers of women and children of punishment, calling them cowards for targeting young girls.

The President assured the nation of Government's allegiance to promoting women's participation in governance, citing certain appointments he made.

He said this during the International Women's Day commemorations, with the theme; "Rights. Justice. Action for ALL Women and Girls."

Meanwhile, Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali, highlighted Zambia's progress in dismantling discriminatory laws, citing the Victim Support Unit and expanded health resources.

And NGOCC Chairperson, Beauty Katebe stressed that to sideline women is to force democracy to stand on one leg, calling for enhanced inclusivity in leadership positions.

Scores of participants turned up to celebrate this important day. The event featured a massive march past from the University of Zambia to the Showgrounds, comprising various stakeholders, including women, men, and youths.

-ENDS-