ZP ROLLS OUT SGBV TRAINING IN NORTHERN AND MUCHINGA PROVINCES

The Zambia Police Service has launched a roll-out training course on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Northern and Muchinga Provinces, where 200 police officers are earmarked to receive training.

With support from the Canadian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the implementing partners this initiative has so far seen 700 police officers in seven provinces trained in survivor-centred investigative approaches to SGBV. Northern and Muchinga are the latest provinces to benefit in phase two of the rollout, during which 200 officers will be trained over the next two weeks.

The SGBV Training Programme Launches

Launching the training programme for Muchinga Province in Chinsali District this morning, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba, highlighted the need for continuous collaborative efforts among partners and stakeholders in combating the scourge of SGBV.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner of Police for Muchinga Province, Mr. Dennis Moola, Mr. Musamba stated that building cross-sectoral partnerships is key to reducing cases of gender-based violence in the country and to creating sustainable, long-lasting changes in societal attitudes and practices.

“As officers, you must exercise patience, flexibility, and perseverance. I urge you to maintain and strengthen these partnerships, even though navigating how they are formed, leveraged, and sustained in this highly competitive space can be challenging,” he said.

Speaking earlier, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Resident Representative and Governance Advisor, Mr. Gregory Saili, expressed pride in partnering with the Zambia Police Service to realise a shared vision of gender-responsive policing.

Represented by Mr. Richard Sikanunu from the UNDP Governance and Gender Unit, Mr. Saili noted that pathways were being created for women’s participation in peace operations through this project.

“We are reinforcing leadership and ensuring that the protection and promotion of human rights remain central to the police’s mission both at home and abroad,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Northern Province, the training was officially launched on behalf of the Inspector General of Police by Commissioner of Police, Ms. Lucky Buumba in Kasama.

Canadian High Commission Representative Speaks

Canadian High Commission representative Ms. Hazel Mufweneko Zulu emphasized the crucial role of trainers in enhancing the capacity of the Zambia Police Service to investigate SGBV cases.

She stated, “Your efforts will strengthen the police service’s ability to handle SGBV cases both domestically and internationally, while also increasing the pool of qualified officers—particularly women ready for peacekeeping deployment.”

Ms. Zulu also highlighted Canada’s commitment to addressing SGBV, noting, “Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security prioritizes the prevention of and response to SGBV in conflict, as well as the elimination of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.”

This initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace, operational security, and human rights.