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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has issued a strong warning to political parties, stating that any actions or statements that humiliate, intimidate or discourage women from participating in elections will not be tolerated.
HRC Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Sambo, said the Commission was deeply concerned by reports that some political party officials were allegedly demanding sexual favours from female aspirants in exchange for adoption ahead of the upcoming General Elections.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Sambo said such cases of sexual exploitation and harassment constitute gross violations of women’s rights and severely undermined women’s political participation.
“The Commission is appalled by these despicable acts. Women have equal rights and must be protected to participate freely and fully, without discrimination,” she said.
She warned that, where sufficient evidence existed, the HRC would invoke its statutory mandate to institute strategic litigation against perpetrators of sextortion, sexism and cyberbullying to end impunity.
Sambo further urged political parties to immediately implement internal measures that promoted a safe and supportive environment for women seeking elective office.
She also condemned the increasing use of misogynistic language and gender-based attacks on social media platforms by well-known vloggers, calling for urgent measures to curb sexist content that fueled harmful stereotypes.
“The continued dissemination of gender-based misinformation may constitute an offence of cyber harassment or humiliation under section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025,” she said.
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Sambo noted that the emerging trend of discrimination and abuse against women in politics was not only an attack on their dignity but also a direct assault on the country’s democratic values.
She warned that such behaviour increases the risk of sexual exploitation, harassment and violence against women who wish to participate in public affairs.
“The cumulative effect of these unacceptable acts is that women’s full and effective participation in politics is significantly impeded,” she said, stressing the need for immediate accountability.
Sambo urged victims of sexual, verbal or physical abuse—as well as members of the public and organisations—to report such cases to the Police or the HRC for redress.
She reiterated that political parties must demonstrate leadership by adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual and gender-based violence within their structures.
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