As Zambia prepares for its upcoming national elections, a disturbing issue has come to light, where female political aspirants are allegedly being asked to provide sexual favours in exchange for party endorsement. According to a report in the BBC, the issue was publicly acknowledged by a senior government official, bringing attention to what activists describe as “sextortion,” a form of corruption involving abuse of power for sexual gain.
Zambia’s Gender Division has reportedly received multiple complaints from women seeking political backing. These complaints allege that individuals in influential party positions, including senior officials, have allegedly demanded sexual relationships in return for adoption as candidates.
Mainga Kabika, the permanent secretary of the government’s Gender Division, told the BBC, “I can confirm to you right now that I am actually receiving a lot of messages; some of them are already on record… they are reporting that they are already being asked for sexual favours in exchange for adoption [as candidates], and this is unacceptable.”
Understanding “Sextortion” in Politics
The term “sex extortion” thus signifies a grave misuse of power, where the latter becomes a means of exploitation rather than control. In such a scenario, the availability of political opportunities does not depend on merit or potential, but on demands.
It has been indicated that the problem does not seem to be an isolated one, as it has the potential of occurring during election times, when the chances of political party nominations are higher. Women who fail to obey the demands face the risk of losing opportunities irrespective of their potential.
Impact on Women’s Political Participation
Zambia already has a gender inequality in politics, with merely 15% of the parliamentary positions occupied by women. Sexual coercion also acts as a discouraging factor for women from participating actively in politics.
Some women may end up withdrawing their interest in joining politics out of fear of harassment and exploitation. Others may be dissuaded from joining in the first place.
Opposition politicians and activists have expressed concerns that this has hurt the country. If good leaders are pulled out of politics because of this, then the alternative leaders may not be as good, which could harm the country’s democracy.
Zambia goes to the polls on August 18. Activists are urging authorities to establish clear reporting mechanisms, protect whistleblowers, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
They argue that without immediate action, such practices will continue to undermine democracy and exclude qualified women from leadership roles. Addressing sextortion, they say, is not only a matter of gender justice but also essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of Zambia’s electoral system.
