Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development Executive Director, Nelson Banda, has emphasized that now is the ideal time for both men and boys to take the lead in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
On February 1, 2025, the Non-Governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) urged men to step up in the fight against GBV, citing a rise in cases in the last quarter of 2024 from 11,746 cases in the same period of 2023 to 12,378.
In an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Banda stated that the call for men’s involvement is timely, as men are often seen solely as perpetrators of GBV rather than key players in addressing the issue.
“Men and boys were not just seen as perpetrators in many cases, they were also excluded from the conversations,” said Mr. Banda.
He further called for a more assertive approach to tackling GBV, urging a collective national effort to fight the problem.
By Margaret Mwanza
