Feminism in Zambia

In contrast, there are other women who have taken advantage of the prevailing trend to launch coordinated strategies aimed at changing existing stereotypes in order to empower themselves economically.

For instance, Julia Mulenga and Mary Mwango were among many courageous ladies who sacrificed their lives for the betterment of humankind during civil wars led by national liberation movements against settlers enjoying economic privileges at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Zambian women became eligible voters after the country was freed from colonial rule in 1964 though few actually showed up at polling stations because many men believed they were not intelligent enough to participate in such matters or because it was difficult for them due to ignorance caused by lack of enough education and sources providing it.

This organization also has something else which seeks at reforming liberated aspects aimed at ensuring sustainability within it alongside formation new moments on all fronts within the same country as early as possible by providing necessary information and support to them whenever it is needed.

[12] Violet Sampa, Mary Mwango, Vera Chiluba, and Inonge Wina are notable women in the Zambian political arena.

[19] Prior to the 1970s, Zambia's laws perpetuated the harmful notion that a husband had the legal right to have sex with his wife whenever he desired, as part of the marriage contract.

However, as women's rights movements gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, demands for sexual autonomy and consent within marriage grew louder.

Although some are said to divide or go against culture by contesting against male dominance, harassing online and even physical assault are some among several ways through which female genders can be discriminated.

[22] The persecution of feminist activists in Zambia has a long and troubling history, with many brave individuals facing harassment, intimidation, and even violence for their advocacy work.

[22] One of the earliest recorded incidents dates back to 1996, when activist and academic, Mwanakatwe, was arrested and detained for organizing a protest against gender-based violence.

[23] In 2002, activist and writer, Mwamba, was summoned for questioning by the police after publishing an article critical of the government's handling of gender-based violence.

In 2018, Sitali Wamundila, an academic and activist, was suspended from her university position after speaking out against sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

[26] In 2020, Lydia Limbe, a feminist activist and writer, was summoned for questioning by the police over her social media posts criticizing the government's handling of gender-based violence.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has also expressed concern over the situation and urged the government to take action to protect activists.

This cultural mindset is evident in the way women are socialized to prioritize domestic and reproductive work over education and career aspirations.

Additionally, socioeconomic inequality persists, with women facing significant disparities in access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and land ownership.

Limited support systems for survivors of gender-based violence, inadequate mental health resources, and a lack of childcare services further hinder feminist efforts.

The funding and resource constraints pose a significant challenge to feminist organizations, limiting their ability to effectively advocate for women's rights.