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Zambian official reveals sexual extortion in candidate selection
A senior Zambian government official disclosed on Monday that female aspirants for August's general election are being pressured to provide sexual favours in exchange for party nominations.
Calls for evidence and reporting
Mainga Kabika, who leads the gender division within the president's office, urged women to document such incidents. Speaking at a prosecutors' conference in Lusaka, she confirmed receiving multiple reports from women detailing demands for sexual favours to secure candidacy slots.
"I can confirm that I am actually receiving a lot of messages; some are already on record... they report being asked for sexual favours in exchange for adoption [as candidates], and this is unacceptable."
Mainga Kabika, Civil Service Gender Division Head
Cultural and structural barriers persist
Zambia's political landscape remains heavily skewed, with women constituting only about 15% of parliamentarians. A statement from the presidency last year attributed this underrepresentation to "deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers."
Beauty Katebe, chair of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, described the situation as "very troubling," noting it deters women from political participation. She highlighted "sextortion" during nomination processes and called for stronger legal measures to combat harassment.
Demands for legal reforms and fast-track courts
Katebe advocated for the creation of a fast-track court to expedite cases of sexual harassment in politics. She also stressed the need for stricter laws to hold perpetrators accountable, arguing that exposure would deter such behaviour.
"If they were being exposed, they would definitely stop."
Beauty Katebe, Board Chair
She pointed to entrenched patriarchal norms within political parties as a key obstacle to women's advancement.
Progress and persistent gaps
While the presidency acknowledged recent high-profile appointments, including Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, it noted ongoing disparities. Women currently hold 28% of civil service director roles and only five of the 36 CEO positions in state-owned enterprises.
Election timeline
Zambians will cast ballots on 13 August to elect a president, members of parliament, councillors, and council chairs. The allegations of sexual extortion add urgency to calls for reforms ahead of the polls.
