The NPA and Paralegal Alliance Network (PAN) hosted a successful roundtable discussion on GBV case management and protection orders. The meeting highlighted the critical role of paralegals in supporting survivors by bridging the gap between themselves and prosecutors and ensuring access to justice. Paralegals from around Lusaka attended this milestone meeting. The agenda was dominated by the key issue of Restraining/Protection Orders and how the cooperation could be enhanced to ensure that more was done to ensure victims have access to these remedies. NPA and PAN remain confident that through collaboration, the fight against GBV can be won.

Established in the year 2023, the Southern Africa Heads of Prosecution (SAHOP) Forum, was formed with the aim of enhancing regional cooperation among the prosecution agencies in Southern Africa. This forum comprises Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) and Prosecutor Generals from 15 countries in Southern Africa, all united by a common mission: to strengthen criminal justice systems, improve prosecution efficiency, and effectively combat transnational crime. The creation of SAHOP responds to the growing need for a coordinated regional effort in tackling critical issues such as corruption, organised crime, and illicit financial flows, which threaten the stability and development of the region. Since its inception, SAHOP has primarily convened through virtual platforms, allowing its members to engage and collaborate despite geographic distances. This model of virtual meetings has provided a foundation for sharing vital information and exchanging best practices among prosecution services. However, this December, from the 4th to 6th, SAHOP will host its first ever in-person meeting, co-hosted by Zambia’s

Did You Know?Globally, nearly 1 in 3 women, out of an estimated 736 million, have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives. Even more alarming, 55% of all female homicides are committed by intimate partners or family members, making the home the most dangerous place for many women. Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is Everyone’s Responsibility.We therefore call on men and boys as well to take a stand. Lead by example, challenge harmful norms, respect women, and oppose violence in all its forms. True strength lies in fostering a culture of equality, respect, and safety for all Why does Gender Equality Matter-Empowering women and girls strengthens communities. When they thrive, everyone benefits. Ensuring their safety and providing them with opportunities is an investment in a stronger, brighter future for Zambia What Can You Do to Join the Fight Against GBV?• Educate yourself and others on the causes and impacts of GBV.• Speak Out against harmful stereotypes, attitudes,

We are reminded that Silence fuels abuse. It’s time to speak up, take action, and stand with victims! Every voice matters in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Together, we can create a world where survivors are heard, supported, and empowered. GBV is not a family or internal issue—it’s a community problem that demands a community solution. When one person suffers, the whole society feels the ripple effects. How can you play your part? If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, report it now:Zambia Police (Toll-Free): 991Lifeline Childline Zambia (Toll-Free): 116 We all have a role to play. Let’s work together for a Zambia free of violence and full of hope. Speak out. Stand up. Let’s end GBV! JoinTheFight#OrangeTheWorld#StopGenderBasedViolence #ActivismForChange #BreakTheSilence#EndGBV prosectorsnactivists#NPA

As we approach 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was promulgated, we are reminded of our overarching duty both as the National Prosecution Authority as well as Activists in the fight against Gender Based Violence. As such, the National Prosecution Authority of Zambia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and girls. We, as an institution are dedicated to fostering equity,inclusivity and respect internally as we provide and strive for a healthy and sexist free work environment. We also strive to provide a victim centred and trauma informed Prosecution service to all victims of GBV, our goal is to hold perpetrators accountable and deter would be offenders, penultimately delivering justice for all. As we join the global movement of 16 days of activism against GBV, you are all reminded that the fight against GBV starts with YOU!. Let’s break the silence and build a safe Zambia for all! As the NPA we pledge to:

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations organization, launched a two-day in-service training program for prosecutors on 19th November 2024 in Lusaka.  During the opening ceremony, Minister of Technology, Honorable Felix Mutati, through Director of Communications Mr. Milner Makuni, emphasized the rapid pace of technological advancements and the importance of equipping prosecutors with skills to keep up with these changes. ITU representative Anne Ssembonga and ZICTA Acting Director-General Eng. Collins Mbulo reiterated the need for prosecutors to enhance their understanding of digital evidence and develop the legal expertise to analyze and argue cases involving electronic data.  Representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Chief State Advocate Ms. Nkumbiza Mumba highlighted the critical role of prosecutors in staying ahead of cybercriminals. She pointed out how digital technology is being used in crimes such as financial fraud, wildlife trafficking, gender-based violence, and other fraudulent activities, stressing the need for continued

A delegation from Zambia’s National Prosecution Authority is currently in South Africa for a three-day SADC Trainers of Trainers (TOT) Meeting. The event focuses on the application of the SADC Handbook for Prosecutors on the Management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and is being held at the Holiday Inn in Johannesburg. The meeting brings together representatives from 14 SADC member states, including Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mauritius, Madagascar, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Seychelles, Namibia, and Zambia. The Zambian delegation is led by Mrs. Chali Mbewe – Hambayi, Deputy Chief State Advocate in charge of the Gender-Based Violence Crimes Department. She is accompanied by Sikute Elizabeth Muliokela, Senior Public Prosecutor; Joe Phiri, Senior Public Prosecutor; and Grace Katoka Muhumpu, Senior Public Prosecutor. Zambia has been given the rare opportunity to facilitate at this training, which facilitation will be conducted by Mrs. Chali Hambayi tackling the issues of Trauma Based Approach in the Prosecution of GBV Cases, Effective Presentation of Evidence

DPP is on a tour of Central Province. During the tour, he is interacting with key stakeholders in the criminal justice dispensation system including the courts and the Zambia Correctional Service. The tour is aimed at, among other things, identifying clogs in the criminal justice system. In these interactions, DPP has made it abundantly clear that NPA has taken an uncompromising stance on integrity and that NPA staff who will compromise this sacrosanct value will be dealt with sternly within due process. To this end NPA has even put in place an Integrity Committee….something like that mwe

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zambia, pledging enhanced government support during a meeting at State House yesterday, 14th November, 2024, with the National Gender Machinery, a consortium of Government agencies, NGOs and other stake holders dedicated to ending GBV. Mrs. C. Mbewe Hambayi, the Deputy Chief State Advocate in charge of Gender-Based Crimes, highlighted the National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) progress in fighting gender based violence particularly the establishment of the specialized department and the quick turnover of cases in court. She also outlined the vision of the NPA to increase support services for victims through friendly court preparation rooms and recruiting additional Witness Officers. The DCSA explained that the capacity building is ongoing for all prosecutors through continuous trainings and capacity building. Some of the challenges highlighted included the lack of resources for victims whilst at court and the limited court space that has led to some delays in concluding matters. She