The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of women and girls by strengthening measures to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in line with the aspirations of the 8th National Development Plan.
Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata, says GBV trends have shifted from mostly physical to digital gender-based violence, a growing challenge that requires coordinated and intensified action.
She said this during the launch of the 16 days of Activism Against GBV being commemorated under the theme: “Unite to End Digital GBV Against Women and Girls.”
Ms Mulyata noted that Zambia has made significant progress in responding to GBV, citing the establishment of the Victim Support Unit (VSU) under the Zambia Police Service as one of the key milestones.
She added that root causes of GBV, such as poverty, must be addressed to effectively reduce cases.
“As Minister, I am confident that with collaborative efforts from the Chiefs and communities, we can make significant progress in the fight against GBV,” said Ms Mulyata.
She also urged local authorities to increase women’s access to empowerment programmes so that they can become financially stable, an important factor in reducing GBV vulnerability.
The Minister further encouraged parents to ensure that their children remain in school and benefit fully from the government’s free education policy.
She said the annual commemoration marks significant progress in the country’s fight against GBV, though the challenge persists across all sections of society.
Ms Mulyata emphasised the need for enhanced sensitisation, stating that the fight against GBV is not for the government alone, but for all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Chief Bunda Bunda of Rufunsa District commended stakeholders for their efforts in combating GBV.
The Traditional Leader said his Chiefdom takes GBV issues seriously and continues to work with the government and partners to eliminate the vice.
” With combined efforts will help build communities and a nation free from GBV”, said Chief Bunda Bunda.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission to Zambia, Keisha Livermore, highlighted the urgency of addressing digital GBV, especially as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
Ms Livermore said online bullying of female candidates, activists, and journalists is not only a personal violation but also a threat to democratic participation and freedom of expression.
“As the UN in Zambia, we affirm that ending all forms of GBV requires a whole-of-society approach, involving government, private sector, tech companies, civil society and communities”, she said.
Ms Livermore said women’s rights organisations must play a central role in efforts to end GBV, as they bring critical insight, innovation and community trust needed to bridge the gender digital divide and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
