Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya has commended Caritas Zambia for intensifying efforts to challenge harmful social norms and promote the safety of women’s participation ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Dr Bwalya said Faith-Based Organisations are key in curbing gender-based violence.
He said the move by Caritas Zambia to build capacity in faith leaders is of value as it will help them to play their role in the fight against GBV.
“What you are doing to build capacity of stakeholders such as faith-based organisations and community members is commendable work to prevent GBV and violence against women participating in politics because prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Dr Bwalya praised Caritas Zambia for taking continuous action to challenge harmful gender norms and safeguard the wellbeing of women.
He noted that such interventions were critical as the country prepared for the 2026 polls.
The Permanent Secretary further said that the Muchinga Provincial Administration wants to see an environment that is free and fair for women to participate in elections.
“We shall ensure that the police protect everyone, including women participating in elections,” he said.
Dr Bwalya said this in Chinsali when Caritas Zambia Project Coordinator Christabel Mwango paid a courtesy call at his office.
And Ms Mwango said Caritas Zambia, through phase two of the Spotlight Initiative programme, was implementing a campaign to prevent gender-based violence and violence against women participating in elections.
Ms Mwango said the organisation was in Chinsali to build the capacity of faith leaders and community members to prevent GBV and promote safe participation of women in elections.
“Ending violence against women in elections requires collective action, and this is more reason we are bringing on board faith-based organisations and community members through capacity building,” Ms Mwango said.
Phase two of the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in Isoka and Chinsali districts in Muchinga Province and in Katete and Chipangali districts in Eastern Province.
