Katuta: Playing in a crowded male-dominated field

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.