ARREST SEXIST NOW
…Women, girls not sex toys for privileged men – NGO
By Thandizo Banda
POLICE must investigate vulgar, sexist language and arrest the person who uttered them on a podcast because women and girls are not objects for men’s pleasure as he portrayed them, Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation (NMF) has said.
NMF programme coordinator Lameck Simwanza condemned the recent statement made by a male socialite, Mathias Musumali in a podcast clip currently circulating on social media in which he openly objectifies women, specifically targeting young female students while contrasting them with older women in a derogatory manner.
“Such remarks are deeply offensive and harmful. They perpetuate a culture of gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, and exploitation,” Simwanza said in a statement.
He warned that if police would not take an interest in the matter and allow the perpetrator to go scot-free, the civil society would organise a public protest.
A video clip has been widely shared on social media in which an actor is boasting about how he and other men have been sexually exploiting university and college students.
Simwanza said women were human beings deserving respect, dignity and safety in all spaces, online, in public and in private.
“Remarks that reduce women to their physical appearance or sexual value contribute to the normalisation of exploitation, sextortion and abuse,” he said.
Language shaped culture, and when harmful narratives went unchallenged, they reinforced dangerous attitudes that undermined the rights and safety of women and girls.
“While a public apology may be issued, it does not erase the harm caused. As an organisation dedicated to empowering young women and girls and combating GBV [gender-based violence] and sextortion, Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation calls upon media platforms, influencers and members of the public to reject harmful stereotypes and communicate responsibly,” he said.
Simwanza urged the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to take a keen interest in the matter.
They should investigate thoroughly under the cyber crimes law, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect women and girls from exploitation and abuse.
“We urge society to prioritise respect, consent and the inherent worth of every woman and girl, regardless of age, background or appearance,” Simwanza said.
He encouraged open dialogue that promoted equality, challenged harmful norms and actively protected women from objectification and abuse, which had the potential to degenerate into physical and sexual assault.
“Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to combat GBV and Sextortion and to champion the rights, safety, and dignity of every woman and girl,” he said.
