16 Days: Cyber bullying deters women’s participation in politics

This feature story examines how the renewed parliamentary bid of Iris Kaingu exposes the deeply gendered terrain of Zambian politics. Kaingu – once at the centre of a national scandal after a leaked sex tape in her youth – is again contesting the Mwandi Constituency seat. But while male politicians with similar or more serious controversies often face little scrutiny, Kaingu continues to be publicly shamed, cyber-bullied, and judged on her past rather than her policies.

The story highlights how her experience reflects wider structural barriers that deter women from political participation in Zambia. From moral policing and online harassment to institutional gatekeeping and double standards in candidate vetting, Kaingu’s journey raises a pressing question: Who gets to lead in Zambia—and at what cost for women seeking public office?

Link to video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17NGSrGUBD/

Reporting by Patricia Chilambikwa. This special story, produced by KBN Television, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building Programme and shared as part of the programme series.