Katuta: Playing in a crowded male-dominated field
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday August 14, 2026 11:06
Given Katuta, who is contesting as an independent candidate, is the sole woman among the presidential contenders seeking to lead Zambia. Her participation stands in contrast to the 13 male candidates who will also be on the presidential ballot. The unusually low representation of women at the highest level of the electoral contest has once again brought questions about women’s participation in Zambian politics and the challenges they face when seeking the country’s top political office.
Although women have increasingly taken up leadership positions in political parties, parliament and other public institutions, their representation among presidential candidates remains limited. Consequently, the 2026 presidential race has exposed a continuing gap between women’s participation in politics and their ability to secure nominations for the highest office. Katuta, therefore, enters the presidential contest carrying the distinction of being the only female candidate among the 14 presidential aspirants. Her candidacy could provide an important platform for issues affecting women, families and other groups that often struggle to receive adequate political attention.
However, being the only woman in a crowded presidential field could also present significant challenges. Presidential campaigns require substantial financial resources, strong political structures, extensive grassroots mobilisation and visibility across the country. Moreover, female candidates in many African political environments often have to overcome deeply rooted perceptions that national leadership is primarily a male domain.
The other candidates include incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND), National Reconciliation Party president Brian Mundubile, Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe, Leadership Movement president Richard Silumbe and Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba. Also, in the race are Given Mwenya Chansa of the Movement for Economic Emancipation, Xavier Chungu of the Liberal Democrats Party, Kelvin Fube Bwalya of the Zambia Must Prosper Party, Dan Pule of the Christian Democratic Party, Richwell Siamunene of the New Focus Party, Howard Kunda of the Zambia Wake Up Party and Ackim Njobvu of the Democratic Union. Dr Brian Mushimba of the Organised People’s Party is also contesting.
Despite the large number of candidates, however, the gender question remains particularly significant. While several women appear as running mates to presidential candidates, Katuta is the only woman directly seeking the presidency.
As Zambia heads to the polls, her candidacy could therefore, become an important reference point in discussions about women’s political representation. Ultimately, the low number of female presidential candidates raises questions about whether more needs to be done to create an electoral and political environment in which women can compete equally for the highest office in the land.