Shocking Claims of 'Sextortion' in Zambian Politics

Tue Mar 17 2026 18:13:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prospective female politicians in Zambia face troubling demands for sexual favors from political parties, exposing deep-rooted issues surrounding gender equality in politics.

In a heart-wrenching revelation, Mainga Kabika, head of gender in the Zambian presidency, highlighted that aspiring female candidates are being coerced into providing sexual favors for electoral candidacy. This troubling trend, often referred to as 'sextortion,' adds to the already significant gender imbalance in Zambian politics, where only about 15% of MPs are women. Kabika urged women to document these incidents as the country gears up for its upcoming elections.

A senior Zambian official has revealed disturbing news regarding the treatment of aspiring female politicians. Some political parties are allegedly demanding sexual favors in exchange for political candidacy ahead of the August elections.

Mainga Kabika, head of the gender office in the Zambian presidency, has called on women to document these instances of coercion. This is unacceptable, she stated.

The silence surrounding these issues is troubling, as many women are discouraged from entering politics due to the fear of being subjected to 'sextortion'. Beauty Katebe, chairing the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, emphasized the pressing need for change, advocating for stricter laws and a fast-track court to address such allegations swiftly.

The current state of political representation in Zambia is alarmingly skewed, with approximately 15% of MPs being women. Kabika warns that these ongoing practices only serve to deepen the cultural and structural barriers that hinder women's participation in leadership roles.

As the election draws near, the call for action intensifies. Kabika’s appeal for documentation reflects a broader issue of gender inequality that continues to plague Zambian politics.