Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, the Right Honourable Ms.Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, has donated assorted items to female inmates and circumstantial children at Lusaka Central Correctional Centre (Chimbokaila), as part of the National Assembly’s commemoration of the recently held Sixteen (16) Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking during the donation ceremony on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, Speaker Mutti said that by supporting circumstantial children who are either born in correctional facilities or due to their mothers’ imprisonment, National Assembly is demonstrating its support for women and children, while showing unity in the fight against GBV.
“This gesture is meant to show that unity against gender-based violence must translate into care, solidarity and tangible support for vulnerable women and children, particularly those affected by violence, inequality and social exclusion,” she said.
She noted that the effects of gender-based violence are far-reaching and that ending the problem requires collective responsibility from all members of society.
Speaker Mutti further observed that many convicted female inmates are themselves survivors of gender-based violence and stressed the importance of providing support that enables them to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society as functional citizens after serving their sentences.
Speaker Mutti Commended the Zambia Correctional Service for efforts to safeguard the welfare of women inmates and their children. She added that correctional facilities must uphold human dignity while promoting rehabilitation and care.
She assured the inmates that they were not forgotten and that the National Assembly remains steadfast in promoting gender responsive legislation as their lives and wellbeing matter to the nation.
Speaking at the same event, Commissioner of Correctional Service and Extension Services, Ms Namata Mayubelo, thanked the Speaker for her compassion and leadership, staing that her presence reaffirmed that persons in custody remain part of the national community.
Ms Mayubelo disclosed that the Zambia Correctional Service currently has 1,011 female inmates countrywide, comprising 665 convicted inmates and 346 on remand, among whom are 72 circumstantial children.
She also commended Government for ongoing reforms, including the opening of new female correctional facilities in Mwembeshi and Livingstone, the launch of a mental health campaign and the establishment of the Zambia Correctional Service Women’s Network, which addresses gender-based issues affecting both officers and inmates.
Speaking earlier, Officer-in-Charge for Lusaka Female Correctional Facility, Ms Precious Mweele, said the new facilities in Mwembeshi and Livingstone would help decongest the Lusaka Central Female Facility, which currently accommodates 160 inmates against its designed capacity of 76, including three pregnant women and ten circumstantial children.
And Speaking of behalf of the inmates, Ms Bwali Makwele, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the donation. She noted that incarceration often brings feelings of isolation and despair, but such acts of kindness restore hope and remind inmates that they have not been forgotten.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence was held from 25th November to 10th December under the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
