By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) is irked by media reports that some male politicians are soliciting for sexual favors from women aspiring candidates.
These e sexual favors are in exchange for adoptions to contest the 2021 General Elections.
ZCID Board Chairperson Jackson Silavwe said the center has condemned such behavior.
Mr Silavwe said it is retrogressive, immoral and a retardation of efforts aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics.
He said Zambia is a signatory to both regional and International protocols such the AU Maputo protocol, SADC protocol, UN-CEDAW among others which advance and protects women’s rights.
Mr Silavwe said the request for sexual favours in exchange for adoptions is a clear violation of the Republican Constitution and the Gender, Equity and Equality Act.
He said as an Institution whose objectives among others include to empower political parties to build both institutional and human capacities, to enhance gender equity and effective participation of political parties.
“We therefore urge all women who are victims or may be facing a similar predicament to come and report to the ZCID Secretariat for onward reporting to the relevant authorities. We further request the Human Rights Commission of Zambia to take a keen interest in this matter, “he said.
Mr Silavwe has encouraged women not to be discouraged to aspire for leadership positions in political parties as they possess equal rights as men and it is their democratic right to fully participate in matters of governance without granting sexual favors.
