Survey reveals 89% of Zambian women condone GBV

The Afro Barometer survey on the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country has revealed that 89% of Zambian women condone physical violence by those closest to them.

The report shows that wives strongly agree that husbands have the right to punish them as a form of discipline, a clear indication that such beliefs are deeply embedded in the Zambian society.

The report also shows that 90% of people with no formal education approve wife battering.

And Speaking in Lusaka today during the dissemination of results, Rural net Associates Limited vice Chief Executive officer Fison Mujenja says the survey also revealed that there is no difference between urban and rural women in condoning wife battering as they equally condone it.

Mr. Mujenja whose organisation is leading the Afro barometer team in Zambia says education and religion have not helped much in changing attitudes towards GBV against women and children and especially wife battering.

He adds that there is need for more awareness programs that will help wives understand that GBV is a crime which should not be condoned.

Mr. Mujenja has further called for concerted efforts in the fight against GBV if cases have to be reduced.

Afro barometer is an African led non partisan research network that conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, economic conditions and other related issues across Africa.