A senior Zambian official confirmed reports of political parties demanding sexual favours from aspiring female candidates ahead of the August 13 general election.
Mainga Kabika, head of the presidency’s gender office, urged women to record these incidents during a conference of state prosecutors.
Beauty Katebe, chair of the NGO Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, labeled the practice "sextortion." She highlighted cultural biases discouraging participation and called for fast-track courts to address harassment.
Despite high-profile appointments like Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, women remain underrepresented, comprising only 28% of civil service directors.
Voters will soon select a president and lawmakers amidst these allegations of systemic barriers facing female leadership contenders.