Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people in Kasenengwa district in Eastern Province has denounced patriarchal society where it is deemed as a dominant way of life in tradition.
Speaking to the media about the ongoing 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the traditional leader said there is no Zambian culture that allows a husband or father to corporal punish his wife or kids in the name of discipline.
He said it is inhuman and selfish for men to mete out corporal punishment to anyone in their families, noting that the Zambian law has always denounced such cultural practices.
The traditional leader said some people should have their mindset educated and taught that physical, financial and emotional violence should not be entertained in homes.
He further said people should also know that physical violence is not part of discipline and it is not a way to show commitment and respect amongst married spouses.
Chief Madzimawe said traditional leaders have tailored programmes which have been formulated into chiefdom by-laws in line with the Zambian constitution.
He has since urged Zambians to unite and fight GBV, noting that working in isolation will defeat the purpose of combat.
“Non-governmental organisations, religious groups, government agencies and traditional leaders should come together and do a programme that targets the community and their needs.
Targeting the mindset of young people will be a gateway to eradicating and reducing cases of GBV in the future,” he said.
Chief Madzimawe observed that instead of using their strengths towards abuse, men should target energies towards eradicating poverty which will be a great drive for the economy in Zambia.
