Police in Zambia have arrested four women after they took part in a march against gender-based violence that also attracted LGBTQ-rights activists.
Same-sex relationships and marriages in Zambia are illegal and on Monday the government warned against the promotion of gay and lesbian rights.
The four women, all aged under 30, have been charged with giving false information to public officers, and of holding an unlawful assembly, according to police spokesperson Danny Mwale.
The march which took place at the weekend was organised by Sistah Sistah Foundation, a local non-profit organisation. They too are being investigated by police.
It is believed that while the protesters were allowed to march by police the procession was based on the event being an anti-gender-based violence event, not to allegedly advocate gay and lesbian rights.
Some Zambians have criticised the march for this reason. But others who attended the march, or support its aims, remain defiant.
I heard misogynists are mad that we made noise about our rights yesterday at the Women’s March. Good. 💖 *laughs in chinene changa voice yanga* #womensmarchZambia pic.twitter.com/Sksc6sHshV
— Yandé (@cutesie_valerie) March 5, 2023
