The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called for equal moral standards to be applied to both men and women, saying society should hold both genders equally accountable for their conduct.
NGOCC Communications Lead, Samuel Mwanakatwe, says it is unfair for society to subject women to stricter moral scrutiny while placing fewer expectations on men.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Mwanakatwe said if Zambia is to build a morally upright society, accountability must be applied equally regardless of gender.
“It is unfortunate that moral standards are often applied differently to men and women. Morality should not be segmented based on gender, as both men and women have a responsibility to uphold good values in society,” said Mr. Mwanakatwe.
He noted that promoting different moral expectations for men and women reinforces harmful stereotypes and undermines efforts to build a society founded on fairness, respect and responsibility.
Mr. Mwanakatwe further called on communities to challenge cultural beliefs and social norms that excuse immoral behaviour by men while expecting women to meet higher moral standards.
He stressed that lasting social transformation can only be achieved when society embraces equal accountability, with both men and women expected to uphold the same ethical and moral values.
Angel Kasabo
