A senior official in Zambia has raised concerns that some political parties are demanding sexual favours from women seeking to stand as candidates in the upcoming general election.

Mainga Kabika, who heads the gender office in the Presidency, said she had been approached by women who reported being pressured in exchange for selection. She did not name the parties involved.

Kabika was speaking at a conference of state prosecutors, where she highlighted the barriers women continue to face in entering politics. Women currently make up only about 15% of members of parliament in Zambia.

The country is preparing for general elections scheduled for August 13, with concerns growing about gender inequality and the treatment of female candidates in the political process.

–ChannelAfrica–