NGOCC Condemns the Rise of Misogyny and Discriminatory Remarks Against Women in Leadership

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release 

20^th March 2026

NGOCC CONDEMNS THE RISE OF MISOGYNY AND DISCRIMINATORY REMARKS AGAINST WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has noted with great concern, the rising and regressive trend of misogynistic rhetoric and unfair treatment of women in leadership positions. Lately, we were made aware of the public discourse of one Mwewa Chitambala also known as Simon Mwewa Lane where, for the umpteenth time, spews a series of unwarranted attacks on female leaders. It has become evident that the public discourse of the above-mentioned individual has been increasingly marred by expressions that attempt to question the competence of women in leadership positions based on gender stereotyping.

We firmly believe that the progress of our great nation depends on the full and respectful involvement of all Zambian citizens. When women in positions of great responsibility, including politics and other positions are subject to demeaning and disparaging verbosity pertaining to their temperament, looks and marital status, it is not just the women that are being attacked. These unfortunate and retrogressive sentiments contradict the very foundation of our democratic principles of equality and mutual respect.

The constant disparaging utterances of Mr. Chitambala towards women is of great concern and should be condemned by all. It is our hope and conviction that Mr. Chitambala will be more circumspect and demonstrate a higher sense of responsibility and statesmanship in his public discourse and utilise the sizeable platform to promote unity, dignity, and respect instead of attempting to seek attention and influence by disparaging and demonising women.

We strongly urge Mr. Chitambala and all other individuals attempting to seek political positions to realise that the opportunity for service to our great nation is available to every Zambian citizen. Diminishing other individuals does not enhance one’s credibility. We further call upon Mr. Chitambala to adopt a principled and issue-based approach in engagement and cease to promote insinuations based on what appears to be entrenched misogynistic attitudes.

As we raise these aforementioned issues, we are cognisant of the fact that we are approaching a very critical period in our electoral cycle. It is in this context that we are keenly aware of the negative narrative that is increasingly being perpetrated against women. It is a narrative that has in the past led to a lack of representation of women in positions of power and continues to discourage them from participating in governance.

We thus call upon all men and women in Zambia and other stakeholders to reject these negative developments and stand firm in opposing negative discourse about women. In particular, we propose the following:

1. Reject Gendered Scrutiny: All men and women in Zambia must object to any gendered scrutiny and focus on assessing all leaders based on professional productivity and integrity.
2. Identify Deliberate Demeaning Attitudes: Members of the public must be alert and guard against individuals who use their platforms to belittle women. Their attempts to discourage women from participating in governance must be stopped at all costs.
3. Promote Decorum in Discourse: While we believe freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, such freedom should not be used to bully or promote negative attitudes.

Finally, we wish to remind members of the public that Zambia’s history was founded on the strength of its women. From the freedom fighters who were at the forefront of our independence to the current leaders of our economy, women have earned their places at the table based on merit and their sacrifice. Therefore, a leader or commentator who does not have the intellectual capacity to critique a woman’s work without resorting to belittling her gender is a person who does not bring value to the table of national development.

We must all be deliberate in choosing a path of respect, substance, and equality. Always.

ISSUED

For/Behalf

Ms Anne Mbewe-Anamela

NGOCC Executive Director