THE women’s movement in Zambia has described as barbaric and dishonourable the conduct of Patriotic Front Kasama member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba popularly known as GBM who last Sunday assaulted his wife. The movement has since called for the immediate arrest of Mr Mwamba.
And the Human Rights Commission has also added its condemnation of Mr Mwamba for his behavior, describing his action as a drawback to the fight against gender-based violence.
Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) publicity secretary Juliet Chibuta said women were disappointed with Mr Mwamba’s conduct, especially because he was a law maker who is supposed to observe high moral standards.
And Police have received an official report on Mrs Mwamba’s alleged assault and have opened a docket.
The non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have described Mr Mwamba’s alleged conduct as barbaric and dishonourable considering his status in society.They said the incident is a drawback to the fight against gender-based violence.
Ms Chibuta said women are disappointed with Mr Mwamba’s conduct because he is lawmaker who is supposed to observe high moral standards. Ms Chibuta said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that violence against women should not be condoned especially from Mr Mwamba who is part of legislators who formulated laws to curb gender-based violence.
“As a women’s movement, we condemn Mr Mwamba’s action because violence against women contributes to the decline on the part of their health and also a minus on their status in society,” Ms Chibuta.
She said Mr Mwamba is supposed to live an exemplary life as an MP adding that he should respect his wife and other members of the public regardless of their status.
Ms Chibuta said it is sad that Mr Mwamba opted to use violence in his domestic problems with his wife. She said if husbands cannot respect their wives, it will be difficult for other members of the public, especially the menfolk, to do so.
“They say charity begins at home and so we strongly feel that if women are not respected at their home, then it will be difficult for society to respect them. So this will be a another minus in the country’s attainment of the 30 percent women representation in decision-making positions,” she said.
Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zambia chapter acting national co-ordinator, Hope Kasese Kumalo charged that Mr Mwamba’s conduct disqualifies him from being called honourable MP.
“We are hesitant to call Mr Mwamba member of Parliament because his conduct is dishonourable. He is supposed to practice an exemplary lifestyle because of his status,” she said.
Ms Kumalo said in a separate interview that relevant law enforcement agencies should investigate the matter and bring Mr Mwamba to book. She said members of the public should not tolerate violence adding that anyone found wanting must be brought to book regardless of their status in society.
Ms Kumalo said her organisation will follow the matter closely to ensure justice prevails.
Zambia National Women’s Lobby national chairperson, Beauty Phiri said leaders who victimise women do not deserve to hold their respective positions. Ms Phiri said the rights of women cannot be advanced if the country is surrounded by uncaring leaders.
“How can we empower women in society if acts of violence and victimisation emanate from their home?
“As an organisation, we are concerned with the leadership of women and we fear if such acts continue to occur, then it will be difficult for us as a country to move forward.
“We believe women should be empowered to make decisions but if men continue to victimise them, then we are not going anywhere,” Ms Phiri said.
Human Rights Commission (HRC) chairperson Pixie Yangailo said Mr Mwamba’s alleged action is tantamount to a criminal offence. Ms Yangailo said violence is a serious offence and hopes that the police will seriously pursue the matter.
“We will follow this matter seriously and we hope it will be treated with the importance it deserves,” she said.
MMD Lusaka Province women chairperson Jane Mkalipi has called on the Police to arrest Mr Mwamba.
Ms Mkalipi said at a press briefing at the MMD provincial offices in Lusaka that “We as women and on behalf of our fellow women in the MMD condemn this battering by a leader, businessman and lawmaker.
As an MP, we expect Mr Mwamba to respect the rights of other people including that of his own wife and that of the land considering that he is a law maker himself.”
She said according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1990 to which Zambia is a signatory, the battering of Mrs Mwamba in the presence of children amounts to child abuse.
“We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Francis Kabonde to immediately arrest Mr Mwamba because his action is criminal. We are interested in this case and we will follow it up with keen interest to ensure that justice prevails.
“As women we urge all male politicians to uphold the principle of gender equality and equity. We want to urge Parliament and the royal establishment where Godfrey Mwamba comes from to take stern action against him,” she said.
Lusaka Province Police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni confirmed that Police have received a report on wife battery. Mr Nguni said in an interview that the report was received at Woodlands Police station together with a medical report.
He said Police are waiting for an opportune time to interrogate the suspect.
“I can confirm we have received an official report on wife battery and a medical report signed by a doctor was also delivered. A docket has been opened and so we are just waiting for the right time to call the suspect,” he said.
Mrs Mwamba was admitted to MKP Hospital in Kabulonga and complained of a deep cut on her forehead and general body pains.
[Daily Mail]