Spotlight Initiative launched in Zambia
LUSAKA, Zambia - Actor Chungu Chintelelwe is used to being in the public eye, but for years she carried a painful secret. Ms. Chungu endured years of emotional abuse from her partner that later became physical. Fans saw a star but at home, she felt unsafe.
"He raped me and beat me for trying to open up," Ms. Chungu recently revealed. I cried out to family members, but they urged me to forget about the rape because I was his wife, and he had every right to my body any time he wanted to. On the beating, they told me to forgive him because it was the first time he did it. I felt betrayed by my own family and traditions and so I left."
That decision marked the beginning of a new chapter. From that moment onward, Ms. Chungu vowed to break the silence around gender-based violence (GBV) so that other survivors knew they weren't alone. Her latest play, 'Non-Consensual', explores the issue of GBV, particularly marital rape, and has become a catalyst for dialogue and healing across communities.
As part of her advocacy, Ms. Chungu attended the Spotlight Initiative launch in Zambia on 23 May, 2025. She joined stakeholders, including representatives from the Government, development partners, United Nations, youth, women's groups, civil society, academia and the media.
The Spotlight Initiative Zambia programme runs from 2025 to 2027 and will be implemented by the Government of Zambia, in collaboration with the United Nations system (IOM, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNFPA), with financial support from the Embassy of Ireland.
In his keynote address, Zambia’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, hailed the initiative as a vital in addressing GBV in Zambia. He emphasized the need for legal reforms to close critical gaps in the legal framework, removing harmful provisions in the penal code and strengthening protections for survivors of GBV.
“This programme comes at a time when Zambia is grappling with persistent waves of GBV,” Mr. Phiri noted. “It represents an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality as a precondition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Also speaking at the launch, Ms. Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary of the Gender Division in the Office of the President, called for zero tolerance to GBV.
“All forms of GBV must be reported each time they manifest. No one should ever be a victim or survivor of GBV in our country or anywhere in the world. No child, whether male or female, should have their future or identity marred by sexual violence. Children should be allowed to go to school and fulfil their full potential,” Ms. Kabika said.
UNFPA Representative, Mr. Seth Broekman, spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Beatrice Mutali, outlining four key goals of Spotlight Initiative 2.0: strengthening laws, shifting harmful norms, improving survivor services and empowering women’s rights groups.
Ms. Mutali underscored the UN’s commitment to working alongside the Government of Zambia, civil society, and development partners to ensure a better environment for women and girls.
“Through Spotlight Initiative, we are advancing a bold and transformative global agenda, one in which women and girls can live free from violence, discrimination and fear,” said Ms. Mutali.
Embassy of Ireland Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Kate O’Donnell, reaffirmed Ireland’s support for the Initiative, emphasizing the need for long-term partnerships to close gender gaps and create a society where women and men enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
“This requires partnership, dedication and a vision for the long-term. Ireland is, and will remain, a committed partner to the Government and the people of Zambia in making progress with the changes at all levels that are required to ensure that this is a country where women and men enjoy equal rights and opportunities and live free of violence,” said Ms. O’Donnell.
The event also featured dynamic panel discussions on critical emerging issues, bringing together a diverse range of voices and perspectives. The Gender Division highlighted the government's role in ending child marriage and challenging harmful social norms. Caritas Zambia emphasized the vital contribution of faith-based organizations in addressing gender-based violence, while the Non-governmental Gender Organizations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) underscored the importance of gender-responsive budgeting and equitable public financing.
The Zambia Men’s Network advocated for the active engagement of men and boys as champions of social behaviour change, and representing the private sector, Stanbic Bank’s Anakazi Banking initiative showcased efforts to promote financial inclusion for women and youth.
According to the 2023 Zambia Gender Assessment Report, over 36 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence at least once since the age of 15. Spotlight Initiative aims to change this through comprehensive, multisectoral approaches. The Initiative will be implemented in Isoka and Chinsali districts of Muchinga Province and in Katete and Chipangali districts of Eastern Province.
The Spotlight Initiative launch will support women like Ms. Chungu – as well as girls, boys and men –to reject violence, promote human rights and foster a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential
By Mark Maseko
