The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has raised significant concerns regarding the Zambian government’s 2025 budget, particularly its failure to allocate resources for the implementation of the Anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Act.
Anne Anamela, the Executive Director of NGOCC, emphasized that the lack of financial support for this initiative is alarming, especially in light of the widespread nature of GBV affecting women and girls across the country. Without dedicated funding, it seems the government is neglecting its responsibility to effectively combat this pressing issue.
Anamela also pointed out the government’s oversight in not funding the operationalization of the Gender Equity and Equality Commission, which is essential for promoting gender equality as mandated by the Zambian Constitution. This lack of financial commitment reflects a troubling trend of inadequate attention to gender-related issues within governmental budgeting processes.
Further exacerbating these concerns is the budget’s failure to expand the Bill of Rights to include economic, social, and cultural rights, which are crucial for establishing a supportive environment for gender equality and for providing necessary protections against GBV. Additionally, the NGOCC highlighted that reductions in allocations to the health and education sectors could undermine efforts to address the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence.
The silence of gender advocacy organizations has been particularly notable following the removal of key officials, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Registrar of Societies. These administrative changes have left many in the gender advocacy community feeling anxious about the implications for women’s rights and the enforcement of protective laws. The DPP plays a critical role in prosecuting cases of GBV, while the Registrar of Societies oversees the functioning of various NGOs, including those dedicated to gender issues. The dismissal of these officials raises concerns about the continuity of initiatives aimed at combating gender-based violence and upholding women’s rights.
Source: Lusakatimes
