CHIPATA, CHAMA | November 11, 2025 – In a powerful move to confront the shadow pandemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) head-on, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) is building new frontlines, not just in courtrooms, but in the very communities where survivors seek safety and justice.
A crucial one-day training session set the tone, bringing together law enforcement, healthcare professionals, social service providers, and traditional leaders. The mission is simply to build a seamless chain of justice for survivors in Chama District, where GBV cases have reached an alarming pitch.
This engagement, replicated simultaneously in Chipata through the NPA’s collaboration with the Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights Trust (SAT Zambia), gathered a cross section of GBV response actors across both districts.
In Chipata, State Advocate Mrs Cynthia Simwatachela-Mwila captured the critical nature of the mission. “A survivor’s journey is fragile. If one link fails, the first police report, the medical exam, the legal advice, the entire system fails them,” she stated, leading the session alongside colleague Beatrice Chola.
This sentiment was echoed in Chama, where State Advocate Chisenga Malama emphasised the collective responsibility in combating GBV. “We cannot fight GBV alone, it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to create a safer environment for women and girls,” she stated. “We urge communities to report GBV cases and support survivors throughout the justice process.”
The engagement represented a fundamental shift from discussion to practical action, equipping participants with comprehensive understanding of the GBV legal frameworks and clear referral pathways to ensure no survivor falls through the cracks. The sessions focused on creating seamless collaboration between all agencies involved in GBV response.
This initial push into Chama and Chipata is merely the opening move. The NPA has confirmed that this model will be rolled out in 12 additional districts, a clear signal that this is a sustained, national campaign.
For the NPA, these engagements mark a strategic recognition that a conviction represents only the final step in what is often a long and trying journey for survivors. The authority is focusing on strengthening every link in that journey, from the first report to the final verdict.
The fight against GBV is being realigned. Justice is no longer seen as a solitary verdict, but as a community-wide promise, from the first cry for help to the final gavel of the court. The National Prosecution Authority is ensuring that this promise will soon be backed by unified, trained, and determined coalitions across the nation.
