### Breaking the Silence: Zambia’s Efforts Against Gender-Based Violence
According to the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, around half of all women in Zambia have experienced some form of physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Activists and community organizations continue working to change attitudes and provide safe spaces for survivors.
### The Scale of the Problem
Many cases of abuse remain unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of trust in the justice system. In both rural and urban areas, traditional norms still silence many victims, making it difficult to break the cycle of violence.
### Community Responses
Local women’s groups and NGOs are increasingly leading awareness campaigns. They promote education, legal support, and counseling services to empower survivors to speak up. Shelters and hotlines offer confidential assistance, helping victims rebuild their lives.
### Government and Policy Initiatives
Zambia’s government has strengthened legal frameworks to combat gender-based violence, introducing stricter penalties and training for law enforcement officers. However, experts highlight that implementation and public awareness remain critical challenges.
### Voices for Change
> “We must break the silence and stand together so no woman feels alone in her pain,” said a community leader in Lusaka. “Only by speaking out can we change our future.”
### Looking Ahead
Grassroots movements, cooperation between civil society and the state, and education on gender equality are shaping a more hopeful path for women and girls in Zambia.
***
**Author’s summary:** Zambia is slowly transforming its approach to gender-based violence through grassroots activism, legal reform, and community education, offering real hope for lasting social change.
more
DW — 2025-11-25