Women's Rights As A Shield?

Women's rights are a key to sustainable development, economic growth and security to women, just to mention a few. Regardless, there are some people who often think that these rights might also be protecting female law offenders.

Women, just like every other human being, are entitled to human rights. For instance, the right to expression, the right to live a life free from violence, the right to education and the right to earn an equal wage. In spite of all the efforts directed at promoting these rights, women still face discrimination based on sex and gender in this country and across the globe. Surprisingly, some people believe that these rights in one way or the other protect women offenders. They believe that sometimes women get away with different crimes and offences just because they are women.

Looking at news, media reports and statements released by the police and different organisationz proves that these claims are baseless. Data and information on the ground shows that women are not exempted from the law just because they are women. Female offenders are treated just like any other offender in the court of law.

Recently, in April, Ester Kalasa, a Senior Chief Chulu from Kasungu district was arrested for harassing a fellow woman who was found cheating with her husband. The chief, together with her accomplice, stripped and paraded the other woman with the aim of humiliating her. Several women's rights groups and prominent women, including the Parliamentary Women Caucus condemned this behavior and pushed for the law to take its course. Jessy Kabwira ,a well-known women's rights activist in the country, commended the condemnation and was quoted saying that, "women are supposed to be custodians of laws instead of violating them."

In conclusion, women's rights do not protect offenders in anyway as some people believe. Rights are only there to advocate for development, economic and security growth among women. It is important to keep this in mind as we continue to push for a society that promotes women’s rights.