Stamp out sex for adoption shame
THE disturbing revelations of sex for adoption by the Office of the President Gender Division demand quick intervention. Sex for adoption in the political landscape should outrage every citizen who values dignity, justice and democracy. These serious allegations, which are emerging ahead of a crucial general election, are not only embarrassing for the nation but also deeply corrosive to the integrity of the electoral process.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s strong condemnation of the alleged misconduct by some political party officials is both timely and necessary. His words reflect the moral authority that traditional leaders must exercise when societal values are under threat.
When Mpezeni describes the practice as sad and retrogressive to women’s dignity, he speaks not only for the Ngoni people but for the conscience of the nation. His warning that such conduct has no place in his chiefdom underscores the urgency with which the country must respond.
At its core, this scandal is about abuse of power and betrayal of public trust. Political party officials entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and adopting candidates who can deliver development to the people are allegedly exploiting vulnerable women for personal gratification.
This is not merely unethical, it is criminal and must be treated as such. No democratic system can thrive where access to leadership is conditioned on sexual exploitation or coercion.
The disclosures by Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika add further weight to the gravity of the situation. Reports that women are already sharing evidence through SMS and WhatsApp messages point to a widespread and systemic problem.
Kabika’s advice that women should gather evidence, even covertly, highlights both the seriousness of the allegations and the challenges victims face in proving such offences.
It is, however, a matter of serious concern that the burden of proof appears to rest heavily on the victims. In environments where power imbalances are stark, many women may fear retaliation, stigma or political exclusion if they come forward.
This is why institutions must go beyond simply urging victims to report, they must actively create safe, confidential and supportive reporting mechanisms that protect whistleblowers and ensure swift action against perpetrators.
Zambia cannot afford to normalise such behaviour. If left unchecked, sextortion in politics will discourage capable and qualified women from participating in governance. This would not only undermine gender equality but also deprive the country of diverse perspectives essential for sound decision-making and inclusive national development.
The broader implications are even more alarming. Kabika rightly notes that women in politics already face multiple forms of abuse, including physical intimidation at rallies, verbal attacks, cyberbullying and deliberate misinformation campaigns aimed at silencing them. Adding sexual exploitation to this list further entrenches a hostile environment that pushes women out of leadership spaces.
When women are intimidated, harassed or coerced into silence, democracy itself is weakened. Elections are meant to be a contest of ideas, competence and vision and not a marketplace for exploitation. Limiting women’s participation to sex compromises the principles of equal representation and undermines Zambia’s democratic credentials.
Political parties must take primary responsibility for cleaning up their internal systems. Clear, enforceable codes of conduct must be established, with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation. Party leaders must send an unequivocal message that anyone found engaging in such practices will face immediate expulsion and legal consequences.
Law enforcement agencies must also rise to the occasion. Investigations into these allegations should be swift, impartial and thorough. The call for stricter guidelines to fast-track cases of political and sexual violence is both urgent and justified. Justice delayed in such matters is justice denied, and failure to act decisively risks emboldening perpetrators.
Equally important is the role of society at large. Communities, traditional leaders and civil society organisations must continue to speak out against these abuses. Chief Mpezeni’s commitment to sensitising women in his chiefdom is commendable and should be replicated nationwide. Awareness campaigns must emphasise that political participation should never come at the cost of personal dignity.
However, the fight against sextortion should not be left to women alone. Men, especially those in positions of authority must be part of the solution by rejecting and reporting such conduct. Respect for women’s rights is not optional, it is a fundamental pillar of any progressive society.
As Zambia approaches the August elections, this issue must remain in sharp focus. The credibility of the electoral process depends not only on free and fair voting but also on the fairness and integrity of candidate selection processes.
There can be no compromise on dignity. There can be no negotiation with exploitation. Zambia must act decisively to stamp out this shameful practice and reaffirm its commitment to justice, equality and true democratic values.
