Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo yesterday hosted a multi-stakeholder engagement meeting at the Commission’s head office in Lusaka that sought to explore measures to address violence against women in elections (VAWE).

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Sambo emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in preventing and combating VAWE.

Dr. Sambo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with various stakeholders in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) during elections and in other contexts beyond politics and elections.

She underscored the need for coordinated approaches that prioritise survivor-centred responses, confidential reporting mechanisms and effective grievance redress systems.

She also stated that GBV and related human rights issues of critical concern to stakeholders were a priority for the Commission which enjoys a broad mandate of promoting and protecting human rights.

The Commission exercises quasi-judicial powers and has a comprehensive complaints-handling mechanism and Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) system that makes it better placed to play a critical role in ensuring the 2026 elections are inclusive and violence-free.

At the meeting, which sought to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, the stakeholders exchanged vital information, experiences and best practices. They included representatives of the UNFPA, UNICEF, Carter Center, Lifeline Childline Zambia, National Democratic Institute, UNICEF and the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council.

The stakeholders committed to sustain collaborative efforts through the VAWE inter-agency working group, with the Commission taking an active role.