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In a strong show of solidarity and commitment to inclusive democracy, the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Office of the President, Gender Division with support from the United Nations (UN) through the Spotlight 2.0 Initiative, cooperating partners and civil society organizations has officially launched Zambia’s Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) Reporting Mechanism. The initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the persistent and often underreported violence faced by women in political and electoral processes.Speaking at the launch, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Country Director Monika Emch underscored the urgent need to safeguard women’s voices in electoral spaces. She noted that elections should be moments of hope and civic pride, not fear and intimidation. “The new reporting mechanism represents a practical step toward ensuring that women can participate fully and safely as voters, candidates, party agents, activists, and election officials,” she said. Meanwhile, Embassy of Ireland Deputy Head of Mission, Vincent Maher, emphasized that the Spotlight 2.0 Initiative, with Ireland as a key donor, has supported the establishment of this dedicated reporting pathway for Violence Against Women in Elections. He highlighted the joint UN initiative’s critical role in providing a platform for coordination and serving as a convening agent among diverse stakeholders.“The Spotlight Initiative is at the heart of this coordination,” he said, noting that it acts as a vital link between government institutions, cooperating partners, and civil society organizations. This linkage ensures that state accountability mechanisms and grassroots networks work hand in hand to protect women during the electoral cycle. And Swedish Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Cooperation Christina Wedekull stressed that violence against women in elections is not only a gender issue but a democratic one. When women are threatened, harassed, or silenced—whether physically, psychologically, digitally, or economically—democracy itself is weakened. She called for zero tolerance and collective responsibility across political parties, law enforcement, the media, and communities.Lifeline-Childline Zambia, Country Director, Florence Nkhuwa, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that the toll free 933/ 116 serve as primary points of contact for survivors and witnesses of electoral violence. She stressed that women must be able to participate as voters, candidates, and campaigners without fear of intimidation or physical harm. Furthermore, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Deputy Regional Director, Won Young Hong, described the reporting mechanism as an essential safeguard for women’s human rights. She highlighted that VAWE extends beyond physical harm to include online abuse, intimidation, and systemic barriers that restrict women’s participation. The new mechanism, anchored in the Lifeline (933) and Childline (116) toll-free numbers, ensures confidential intake, survivor-centred referrals, and coordinated case management.Delivering remarks on behalf of the Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Mainga Kabika, Director – Gender in Development Mr. Henry Nkhoma reaffirmed Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their full participation in democratic processes. He emphasized that the VAWE Reporting Mechanism is not only a tool for accountability but also a symbol of Zambia’s determination to build an inclusive democracy where no woman is silenced by fear or intimidation. “This mechanism strengthens our collective resolve to uphold dignity, equality, and justice. It is a call to action for every institution, community, and citizen to stand against violence and safeguard the integrity of our elections,” he stated. The launch marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s commitment to gender equality and democratic integrity. As stakeholders pledged zero tolerance for VAWE, the message was clear: silence is not an option. Reporting abuse, standing in solidarity, and strengthening coordination across sectors are essential steps toward elections where every woman’s voice can be heard—freely and safely. The establishment of the VAWE reporting mechanism is firmly anchored in the Spotlight Initiative, a global UN program. As a platform for coordination, the Spotlight Initiative has played a vital role in convening government institutions, cooperating partners, and civil society organizations around a shared commitment to protect women’s participation in democratic processes. At the heart of this collaboration, the initiative acts as a critical link—ensuring that accountability structures at the national level connect seamlessly with grassroots networks. This synergy strengthens Zambia’s resolve to uphold inclusive democracy, making the VAWE mechanism not just a reporting tool, but a cornerstone in safeguarding women’s voices and advancing gender equality in electoral spaces.