A senior Zambian government official has disclosed that several political parties are demanding sexual favours from potential female candidates in exchange for selection ahead of the August general elections.

I am going to appeal to all female aspiring candidates to ensure that they record all these cases, Mainga Kabika, head of the gender division in the president's office, stated on Monday.

She refrained from naming the political parties implicated in this alarming trend.

Zambia's representation of women in national politics is significantly low, with only around 15% of MPs being female. This disparity stems from long-standing cultural and structural barriers, a statement from the presidency highlighted last year.

Addressing a conference of state prosecutors, Kabika mentioned that numerous women have reached out to her regarding these demands. I can confirm to you right now that I am actually receiving a lot of messages; some of them are already on record… they are reporting that they are already being asked for sexual favours in exchange for adoption [as candidates], and this is unacceptable, she said.

Beauty Katebe, chair of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, expressed concern, noting that such situations discourage many women from participating in politics as candidates. She described these solicitations as 'sextortion' and encouraged those affected to report these incidents, while recognizing the challenges due to cultural biases and the stigma associated with it.

Katebe also advocated for a fast-track court to swiftly handle allegations and called for stricter laws to deter sexual harassment of women in the political realm. If they were being exposed, they would definitely stop, she emphasized regarding suspected offenders.

The pressures on women in political environments are further compounded by entrenched patriarchal attitudes. Although the government acknowledges some progress with high-profile female appointments, vast disparities remain, with only 28% of civil service directors being women and mere five of the 36 CEOs of state-owned enterprises being female.

The general election is set for August 13, during which Zambians will elect a president, MPs, councillors, and council chairs.

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