Kabemba clamours for more women in parliament

Zambia’s Democratic Party (DP) has raised concern over the challenges faced by women in politics, citing abuse, harassment and sexual exploitation as major obstacles, and has urged the government to make certain offences non-bailable.

DP leader, Judith Kabemba, said the political environment in Zambia remained “particularly rough” for women and called for greater female representation in Parliament ahead of the 2026 general election.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday at Mikaela Lodge, Kabemba said increased participation of women in leadership could strengthen laws against rape, child defilement and early marriages, which she described as widespread.

Kabemba said such abuses affected women physically, psychologically and emotionally, discouraging many from participating in politics.

“As DP, we need more women in Parliament to pass laws that protect women and girls. Corruption, child defilement and rape must be made non-bailable offences to deter would-be offenders, especially as the country heads to the polls,” she said.

She also condemned early marriages and urged parents to allow girls to pursue education and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“We want to appeal to government to stiffen laws against those who practice early marriages and abuse women. Go ask for sex from your beautiful wives in your homes, and leave these women to serve our country,” Kabemba said.

Kabemba further urged women to support one another and move past what she described as a longstanding “pull-her-down” mentality.

“Shall we continue to fight one another at the expense of our own development? Shall we continue to gossip against one another?” she asked.

With Zambia in an election year, Kabemba encouraged women to contest political positions across the country.

“We want to make a call to the women out there to come out, to step up and contest various political positions. Let’s dispel this myth for the betterment of the children, the men, ourselves as women, and the girls,” she said.

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