Press Statement Tuesday 3rd December 2024 USE OF UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGAUGE WORRIES NGOCC’S Chairperson Beauty Katebe

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has noted with concern, the uncharacteristic utterances by some male Members of Parliament, targeting certain female parliamentarians. Particularly, we have been disturbed by the behaviour and verbal abuse exhibited by the Member of Parliament for Mpika Constituency, Honourable Francis Robert Kapyanga towards Honourable Sibeso K. Sefulo, Member of Parliament for Mwandi Constituency on the floor of the house.

While we note the apology rendered by Hon. Kapyanga and subsequent parliamentary disciplinary procedures, we firmly believe that the derogatory remarks were deliberately calculated to undermine and disrespect a female Parliamentarian. Members of Parliament must be reminded to hold the highest standards befitting the decorum of Parliament by ensuring that they guard against uncouth language. An apology neither takes back the inflammatory remarks nor erases the potential damage to another person’s self-esteem, let alone their persona and standing in society.

Our leaders and citizens at large, ought to be reminded that Zambia has grappled with very few women in decision-making positions, especially at the Parliamentary and Local Government levels. One of the leading causes of this very gloomy situation is the tendency of male leaders and other members of the public, to demean female leaders holding public offices. This practice tends to discourage many women and female youth alike, from aspiring for leadership, including political leadership.

We take this opportunity to urge Parliamentarians and indeed the general public, especially the males to be in the fore front of creating an environment where all citizens are free to participate in leadership without fear of reproach or sexist attacks. Women, like men, have the democratic right to vie for public office at any level and therefore, deserve support from everyone.

ISSUED;
for/NGOCC

Beauty Katebe
NGOCC CHAIRPERSON