91¸£ÀûÉç

Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread in Zambia. In most cases, perpetrators are current or former husbands and partners, and even though so many women experience violence, they are more likely than men to think that husbands are justified in hitting their wives.

In partnership with World Vision, Norwegian Church Aid and Lifeline/Childline Zambia, we’re implementing a multi-year project to try to reduce sexual and gender-based violence in the two Zambian provinces with the highest recorded prevalence: Northern and Luapala.

We’re supporting three ‘hub’ radio stations to produce a weekly youth radio magazine show called Natwampane Tulande (‘Coming Together’ in Bemba) which aims to unite young people and their communities to help stop sexual and gender-based violence. The show is broadcast by a further ten stations throughout the provinces.

The show’s design is underpinned by formative research we conducted in 2019 which revealed a tightly knit web of social norms that creates inequality between men and women – on issues including education, decision-making and sexual rights.

Featuring the voices of women, their partners, survivors of violence, and traditional and religious leaders, the show engages listeners in an open discussion about women’s rights, and challenges community attitudes that have led to the acceptance of violence against women. And it provides vital information to connect listeners with psycho-social counselling and new local advice centres, supported by the wider project.

To complement the radio show, we’re also producing high-quality digital content and outreach events so that these important community discussions continue online and in-person.

Project information