The Gender Division at Cabinet Office in the Office of the President has registered its disappointment at the humiliating remarks issued by Mpika Member of Parliament, Francis Kapyanga referring to Mwandi MP as looking ‘constipated.’
Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Mainga Kabika says the Division finds Kapyanga’s behaviour to be unparliamentary and unprofessional, coming from a lawmaker.
In a press Statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Ms Kabika said Mr Kapyanga is supposed to push for laws to protect and respect women and fight Gender Based Violence.
“We condemn the recent instances of verbal abuse directed at female Members of Parliament which is humiliating. Such behaviour is not only disrespectful but also undermines the democratic process and hinders the progress of women in leadership positions,” she said.
She observed that verbal abuse, whether it manifests as insults, threats, or discriminatory language, creates a hostile work environment and can discourage women from actively participating in public life.
The PS stated that the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, No. 1 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia, provides for various forms of Gender Based Violence. Section 2 of the Act defines “abuse” as “conduct that harms or is likely to cause harm to the safety, health or well-being of a person.
The definition encompasses psychological abuse, which can include emotional abuse, this involves verbal abuse, insults, humiliation, intimidation, or threats.
She added that additionally, the Gender Equity and Equality Act, No. 22 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia, section 38 provides for a person who subjects a woman to GBV, as provided under the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, 2011, discriminates against the woman and such discrimination shall be an aggravated action as provided under that Act”.
Ms Mainga stated that In this case, the utterances made to the female Member of Parliament is a form of GBV (psychological/emotional abuse).
“While the Act does not explicitly define “psychological abuse,” it covers a range of behaviours that could be considered psychological abuse, such as harassment.
The Act prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, which can include verbal abuse and intimidation,” she said.
The PS wondered that if not curbed in parliament which is a governance body responsible for legislation, the problem will not be addressed and will continue to manifest in other spheres of life.
She explained that the worst is for this to manifest in the form of electoral violence, which will adversely affect the number of women participating in politics and consequently women’s participation in decision making.
“As an institution that advocates for the promotion of gender equity and equality we find his remarks totally unacceptable and a slap in the face of all women who are fighting so hard for their rights and representation in parliament, as well as in general leadership positions,” she said.
She stated that such utterances are detrimental to the promotion of women participation in politics as it discourages other women from participating in politics.
The PS has since strongly urged the Mpika MP to publicly render an apology to Mwandi MP.
“We would like to further implore the speaker of the National Assembly to take disciplinary action against this lawmaker, who has just dragged the nation backwards through his unbecoming behaviour,” Ms Kabika added.
The Gender Division remains resolute in promoting gender equality, a culture of respect, as well as inclusivity in all spheres of life including politics, and will not tolerate any form of GBV and sexism.
She further urged other lawmakers to adopt good doctrines as they debate critical matters and desist from dragging women down.
