The Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called for increased government funding and urgent policy action in response to a sharp rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
According to figures released by the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit (VSU), 11,177 GBV cases were reported between January and March 2025 , a 15.2% increase from the 9,700 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
In a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, NGOCC Executive Director Anne Anamela said the statistics highlight the growing severity of GBV in the country and underscore the need for sustained awareness efforts and stronger institutional support.
“The increase in GBV cases demonstrates the magnitude of the problem we are still faced with as a nation,” said Mrs. Anamela.
She has expressed concern that nearly all reported cases of defilement involved girl children, all rape victims were women, and all victims of incest were female.
Mrs. Anamela said the organization has initiated a study in selected regions to generate evidence-based recommendations that can better inform future interventions.
She has urged government to significantly increase budgetary allocations toward combating GBV which includes funding for well-equipped shelters and sustained awareness campaigns that reach both urban and rural populations.
Mrs. Anamela has also called on authorities to fulfill all national and international commitments to ending GBV, particularly through the strengthening of legal frameworks and support systems for survivors.
By Margaret Mwanza
