Explain gender equity and gender equality
Gender is defined as socially constructed and varying roles that men and women play in their daily lives.
Gender Equity
Gender equity refers to a process by which women and men are treated fairly in accordance to
their respective needs in society.
A policy that has been used to promote fairness and foster equal opportunities is Affirmative Action,
which is also referred to as positive discrimination.
Positive discrimination is a policy with special measures which are aimed at creating a state of
equality between females and males through the implementation of policies and programmes aimed
at elevating the status of the disadvantaged.
For example, the Ministry of Education has been following a policy of affirmative action to
maintain the proportion of girls at the Grade Seven (7) and Nine (9) levels of education.
The selection pass mark for girls is relatively lower than that of boys. This is done in order to
encourage and retain female participation in the school system.
Gender Equality
This is a concept which states that all human beings, that is, girls and boys, women and men are
free to develop their personal abilities without limitations set by stereo- typed rigid gender roles and
prejudices.
It means that the different behaviours and aspirations of all human beings are considered, valued
and favoured equally.
This does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but rather that their rights,
responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are female or male.
For Example, job offers in the employment sector should be done on merit as all human beings
must enjoy the same rights and opportunities.
Outline the Historical background to gender equity and equality.
The Background to Gender
Some issues that affect women‟s socio-economic needs include:
Violence against women in general.
The persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women
Inequalities and inadequacies in and unequal access to health care education and related services.
Inequality in economic structures and policies in all forms of productive activities and in access to
resources.
Inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision making at all levels.
Lack of respect for and inadequate promotion and protection of the human rights for women.
Gender inequalities in the management of natural resources and in the safe-guarding of the
environment.
Persistent discrimination against and violation of the rights of the girl-child.
Stereo-typing of women.
Distinguish gender roles from sex roles.
Gender Roles
Gender roles are prescribed activities, tasks and responsibilities which are assigned to female or
male by a society. They are influenced by cultural, political, economic, religious, age, class and
racial factors.
The following are some of the examples of common gender roles:
Business enterprise
Water resource management
Farming
Gathering
Tourism
Crafts Work
Environment Management
Some of the specific roles assigned by society for women include:
Health care provision
Food preparation
Pottery making
Mat and basket weaving
Crop harvesting
Cutting grass for thatching
Harvesting
Sex Roles
Sex is a biological term which refers to the exclusive physiological differences between females
and males.
Sex roles are, therefore, roles which females and males perform on the basis of their reproductive
physiological or biological make up.
Sex roles are generally the same in all societies because they are biologically determined.
For example, sex roles for women may include child bearing and feeding, while those of men
include siring.
Sex Roles Stereo-type
This is a belief that males and females, by virtue of their sex, perform certain roles.
It is a belief or myth (not necessarily factual) that associates certain traits of behaviour or acts with
different sexes.
Explain the agents of socialisation.
Agents of Socialisation
The Family
The family is the primary agent of socialisation.
It provides the first teaching for boys and girls.
Socialisation is carried out by parents and relatives living within the family.
From childhood, girls and boys are socialized to believe that girls are inferior to boys in all aspects
of life.
The social and cultural attitudes tend to favour the boy child. For example, the birth of a male child
in a home gives parents more joy than that of a female child.
The School
There are persistent sex differences in educational processes within schools, based on cultural
beliefs about sex differences between women and men in both character and ability.
Female and male learners are subjected to different socialization in the school system.
The formal education provided tends to confine girls to domestic and household levels seen through
the kind of subjects they take.
The school curriculum also has an impact on the process of socialization in the system. Some
textbooks that the learners use usually portray females and males differently.
They depict women and men in traditional roles and occupations which are sexually segregated.
The Media
The Media in Zambia, like other agents of socialization, has continued depicting the position of
women as being subordinated to men.
The relations between women and men should not be antagonistic, but rather friendly.
Unfortunately, the messages in most songs are based on the patriarchal nature of society, normally
describing the place of a woman as a wife in the home.
Some of the songs played on radio and television describe the immoral behaviour of women while
others emphasise their total submission to men.
It is also important to note that most of the Zambian popular song lyrics are sung by men.
Women are usually used as dancing “Queens”.
This gender stereo-typing is also portrayed on television and in newspaper advertisements, most of
which are biased against women.
Religious Institutions
Religious institutions play a key role in the socialisation process from early childhood. In general,
all religions teach that women should be submissive to men.
Men are recognised as leaders. They preside over all religious ceremonies while females are
assigned subordinate roles such as cleaning the church.
However, in modern societies, some religions allow women to assume leadership positions.
Describe Gender based violence
Gender Based Violence
Gender based violence is violence involving men and women in which the female is usually the victim. It is
not only about men who abuse women, but also includes women who abuse men physically and verbally.
Gender violence takes various forms: physical, psychological and structural.
Physical Violence:
This form of violence is directed on the body. Physical violence can take the form of fondling,
beating, slapping, punching, shooting, kicking, stabbing, rape and sexual assault.
Psychological Violence
This is one of the most destructive types of violence.
It is concerned with violence towards the mind and often takes the form of humiliation, threats,
harassment and attack on another person‟s self-worthy.
Psychological violence leads to depression, frustration, madness and suicide.
Structural Violence
This form of violence includes all the violence that exists within the structures of institutions.
Structural violence occurs in the economic, political, social and military systems. It arises from
unjust and repressive social structures.
Gender- based violence emanates largely from the patriarchal gender system that violates women‟s
rights at all levels.
Individuals or certain groups of people in society may perpetrate it.
Gender based violence includes poverty and all forms of violence such as land eviction or lack of
access to services.
Causes of Gender-Based Violence
There are several causes of gender- based violence:
Socialization- learned behaviour based on cultural practices and beliefs that disadvantage women
and children, especially the girl child.
Gender roles-stereo-typing, societal beliefs, myths or attitudes that men and women by virtue of
their socialization should perform certain tasks.
Low self-esteem by the perpetrator.
Insecurity- social and financial economic dependency by the abused.
Beliefs that women provoke men by answering back.
Suspected extra-marital affairs.
Refusal or delay to serve food.
Perceived rudeness and lack of respect for the husband.
Belief that men show love by beating wives.
Refusal to have sex.
Failure to get permission from male partners to do something.
Drunkenness.
Petty jealousy.
Common forms of Violence
The most common forms of violence are:
Physical (Spouse battering).
Verbal abuse, for example, insults.
Rape and defilement.
Incest.
Threats.
Property grabbing.
Cruelty by guardian.
Lack of child or spouse support.
Effects of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence has several effects:
Oppression of the spouse: The abused cannot realise his or her potential and contribute fully to the
development of the family and society.
The abused may be fearful, angry or pre-occupied with their own safety and may not be willing to
perform duties that are expected of them.
Sexual violence contributes to the spread of HIV and AIDS and risk of contracting other Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Physical mental injury and death.
Permanent disability.
Unplanned pregnancies.
Suicide.
Depression or trauma.
Loss of self- esteem and confidence.
Family disruption, for example, divorce.
Ways of Reducing Gender-Based Violence
The following are some of the ways in which gender-based violence can be reduced:
Speaking out about the problem.
Sensitising the community about gender violence and the need to work together to stop the vice.
Assisting couples to discuss and resolve their problems.
Reporting cases of violence to the Police Victim Support Unit for legal action and counselling.
Encouraging victims to go for legal advice to NGOs or Drop-in Centres dealing with gender-based
violence.
Measures to curb Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse
Lobbying for changes in the laws and enforcement of laws regarding gender-based violence.
Making others aware of the extent and true nature of gender-based violence and child abuse through
public education, training, public performance, newspaper articles, radio and television programmes.
Establishing counselling centres for victims.
Putting pressure on the community to make conditions safer for vulnerable people such as improving
street lighting in certain areas.
Researching and keeping records on child abuse and gender-based violence for social action and policymaking.
Formulation of community based gender violence committees.
Institutions that Address Gender-Based Violence
Zambia Police Victim Support Unit.
Young Christian Women‟s Association.
Young Christian Men‟s Association
Legal Aid Clinic for Women
Other Non-Governmental Organisations
Discuss Gender issues in traditional and modern society.
Gender Issues in Traditional and Modern Society
In both traditional and modern societies there are certain features that are peculiar to both societies as far as
gender issues are concerned. However, there are also cross- cutting differences.
Comparisons
In both traditional and modern societies, there is a general misconception that regards women as
inferior to men because of following both the customary and statutory laws. This is referred to as dual
system.
Tribal warfare, military force and male bravery and strength are usually attributed to men and not
women. In cases where women have participated in war, they are not put in front line battle field.
Land is predominantly owned by the male folk in the categories of husband, brothers, uncles and
nephews. There are rare cases where a woman has been allowed to control and use the land of a
deceased husband. This is due to the patriarchal nature of the Zambian society. The statutory and
customary laws which govern the Zambian legal system are gender biased. They do not really help
women to own and inherit land on an equal basis with men.
Insufficient decision-making power in a home is experienced by most married women who find
themselves in unfair situations as they strive to engage in business ventures meant to economically
empower them. Their husbands have to decide for them the kind of business they should undertake. In
addition, they also control the income generated from businesses run by their wives.
A tradition of male monopoly of control over female reproduction has to an extent continued even in
the modern society. It is believed that the husband has the right to control the sexual relationship in a
home. He controls the use of condoms and in a way this makes it difficult for a woman to protect
herself from pregnancy, or contracting HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Polygamy is still widely practised in Zambia, even when the economic situation may not favour this
practice. Generally, Polygamy is another patriarchal element in traditional African society. It gives and
makes a man retain the rights of a potential polygamist. For example, in a childless marriage where a
wife is infertile, a husband may easily marry another woman but not vice versa.
Women and their girl children spend more hours of work than their counterparts. In most African rural
areas, for example, women carry out most of the agricultural activities as well as other tasks like
preparing food, gathering firewood and collecting water.
**Note: A patriarchal society is a society that is dominated by the male folk in different aspects of life.
Contrasts
Traditionally, women were socialized to be passive and obedient while men were taught to be
aggressive and dominant. The male traditional way of using physical violence as a way of controlling
women is now being addressed by various law enforcement agents that deal with violence against
women.
To ensure gender equality, men and women can now mix and participate together in all areas of
development. Traditionally, the source of power and influence in society was solely in the hands of
men. However, women are now free to participate in the decision-making process. Formal positions of
leadership can also now be held by both women and men.
Women subordination in a marriage relationship due to Lobola or Bride price implied that women had
little choice to abandon marriage. Marriage issues were not to be discussed in public as that would
cause embarrassment on the man‟s side. However, women are now able to exercise their human rights
and their concerns and grievances are being addressed by the courts of law.
Traditionally, girls and women were expected to do the housework. Similarly at school, most of the
work concerning the cleanliness of the environment was mainly done by girls. To achieve gender
balance, the trend has now changed. Both genders are now encouraged to actively participate in
bringing about social development at home and at school.
To help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections in society, issues of
sexual relationships between girls and boys are today freely being discussed by parents or legal
guardians of the children. In the traditional African society, talking about such issues openly was a
taboo. This task was left to grandparents or cousins of adolescent children.
Describe the distribution of Estates
Distribution of the Estates
Under the Intestate Succession Act, the distribution of the estate is as follows:
50 per cent for the children, taking into consideration their ages and educational needs. Children include
those born within the marriages as well as those born out of wedlock. In a situation where there are no
children this percentage goes to the parents.
20 per cent, for the surviving spouse(s), widow (s) or widower. This means that in case of a
polygamous marriage, the percentage shall be distributed among all surviving spouses. However, the
distribution is done according to the duration of the marriages and the spouses‟ contribution to the
deceased property. If there is no spouse, the 20 per cent shall be given to the children.
20 per cent, for the deceased is for parents. In a case where there are no parents, the 20 per cent portion
shall be distributed among the spouse, children and dependants, and
10 per cent for the dependants, if any.
It is important to note that the brothers, sisters and any relatives of the deceased are not part of the
beneficiaries. However, they can only benefit if there are no children, parents and dependants. In this
case, the relatives get half and the surviving spouse(s) the other half of the estate.
Personal Chattels (Personal belongings) and House
Personal chattels or personal belonging: include things like clothing, household goods, agriculture and
hunting equipment, books and many others. These are exclusively for the surviving spouse(s) and the
children.
The house is for the surviving spouse(s) and the children. However, the surviving spouse only has a
life interest in the house.
He or she can only remain in the house as long as he or she lives and does not-remarry.
If there is more than one house or cars, they shall be distributed accordingly between the spouse
and the children and the relatives of the deceased.
A breach of any part of the Intestate Act constitutes a criminal offence. This means that property
grabbing is strongly prohibited under this Act.
Analyse the Intestate Succession Act of 1989.
Customary law of inheritance in practice in Zambia does not protect the widows and the orphans due to
the patriarchal nature of the Zambian society. Therefore, property grabbing is still rampant even with
the existence of the Intestate Succession Act. This is inconsistent with the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
A “common law marriage‟ or “marriage by reputation‟ is a situation where a single woman and man live
together as husband and wife without dowry or bride price. This is often referred to as co-habitation. A
child born in this background should fully enjoy his or her rights. However, courts sometimes
reluctantly recognize such unions which are not bound by bride price.
Children born out of wedlock if not known or recognized by a surviving spouse do not benefit from the
property of their deceased parent and the law is not protective.
Section 10 of the Intestate Act provides for the surviving spouse to have life interest in property like the
house and that if he or she remarries, he or she loses the rights to the house. However, the Act seems to
be applicable only to widows and not widowers.
Erring administrators must be punished under section 29 of the Intestate Act. However, practically and
traditionally, this does not happen for fear of breaking cultural norms and customs.
Section two of the Intestate Act does not favour and protect women over the control of traditional land
which is primarily governed by customary laws. The Act is supposed to be above customary laws and
Human Rights should not be violated.
The Intestate Act supports the legality of polygamous marriages. In real sense, this deprives the first
wife of her rightful status and position in a marriage. Moreover, polygamous marriages may be a risk
in this HIV and AIDS era.
The Intestate Act does not have a provision for assistance of the vulnerable children, especially
complete orphans who may have been affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Some of these children
have no relatives to support them and hence find themselves in an economic crisis. The Act has no clear
cut clues or statement encouraging relatives to support the deceased person‟s children.
Describe Government Institutions and Civil Society Organisations that promote gender equity
and equality
Governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions that advocate for Gender Equity and Equality
There are a number of governmental and non-governmental organisations and institutions that advocate for
gender equity and equality in Zambia. Some of these are discussed below:
The Zambia National Women Lobby Group (ZNWLG)
The Zambia National Women Lobby Group (ZNWLG) was formed in 1991 by women from NonGovernmental Organisations and political parties concerned about the discrimination that women suffer and
their poor representation in government and other public offices.
The objectives of the organization are:
Promotion of equal participation and representation of women and men in decision-making.
Cultivation and promotion of a culture of gender equality and equity and respect for women‟s rights
through changes in attitude, language and legal procedure.
Undertaking training and managing resource mobilization programmes meant for capacity building,
lobbying mechanism, advocacy and information dissemination and networking.
Capacity building for female aspiring candidates for elections.
Civic education relating to constitutional matters.
Monitoring and observing elections.
Holding monthly discussions on national and topical issues.
Conducting community debates on topical issues.
Information dissemination through publications.
Justice for Widows and Orphans Project (JWOP)
The project was established in 2001 under the support of the embassy of Finland.
Its main objective is to disseminate information on the rights of widows and orphans
The project has managed to highlight and publish cases of violation of human rights committed in
society so that they are addressed appropriately.
It has also conducted sensitization programmes for community leaders and the general public.
This is to help them understand and appreciate the importance of protecting the rights of the
vulnerable groups in society.
The Young Women Christian Association YWCA)
The Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) is a Christian Organisation dedicated to the
empowerment of women for a better community.
The advocacy programme which falls under the Women‟s Human Rights (WHR) Programme was
established in 1993 following the finding of a study on cases of violence against women. The
organization aims at:-
Ensuring that women know their rights, duties and responsibilities in society.
helping women realize their full potential as human beings and the contribution they should make to
advance themselves, their families, community and the whole country.
Zambia Association for Research and Development (ZARD)
ZARD is a non-governmental organization formed in 1984 with an aim to uplift the status and
positions of women through action-oriented participatory and gender sensitive research.
ZARD undertakes research activities aimed at promoting gender balance in society.
Its findings are disseminated through seminars and workshops. In addition, ZARD advocates,
publishes, networks and undertakes consultancies based on women empowerment.
The Zambia National Association for Disabled Women Organisation (ZNADWO)
ZNADWO was formed in 1992. Its aim is to develop programmes for empowering women
The organisation also works in collaboration with the established associations in improving the
plight of women with special needs.
Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW)
The Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW) was formed in 1978 but formerly registered in 1982. ZAW is
involved in the following advocacy programmes for women:-
Advocacy for women‟s rights as human rights, gender sensitization and popularizing CEDAW
(Convention on the Elimination of All Discrimination Against Women).
Promotion and enhancement of women‟s rights, women and inheritance, women and education and
women and development in general.
Advocacy for good governance and promotion of peace.
Eradication of poverty through food security.
Research and documentation in socio-economic programmes and in health and education matters
Spearheaded the SADC Regional Rural Industrial Study to promote industries such as pottery, basketry,
baking and fish processing, in order to economically empower women.
Promoted house food security through crop diversification projects at village level.
Developed agro – forestry programmes.
Rendered support to mainly rural self-help pre-schools and health centres.
Zambia Police
The Victim Support Unit (VSU) of the Zambia Police was formed in 1994 and started operating in 1997.
This unit has established offices in most police stations in the country. It mainly deals with cases of
violence most of which affect women and children. The general aims of the police service include the
following:-
Preservation of Life
Protection of property
Prevention of crime and
Maintenance of peace in society.
Parliament
The Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights and Gender Matters Committee. This is a committee of
parliament which is expected to study government policies and activities to ensure that there is gender
equality and equity.
