FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
20TH JULY,2026

It has come to our attention with deep concern that certain political aspirants have been actively discouraging community women from participating in the school feeding programme at Mundu Primary School in Chinsali. These individuals are reportedly telling the women that their voluntary service cooking nutritious meals for pupils will lead to the breakdown of their marriages.

Such statements are not only regressive and deeply insulting to the dignity of women, but they also pose a direct threat to the welfare of our children and the fabric of our community.

The women volunteering in this programme are performing a noble and selfless act of service. They are ensuring that vulnerable learners receive at least one hot meal a day, which for many is the only meal they will eat. It has been noted that the school feeding programme has improved enrolment, retention, and academic performance. To sabotage this effort for narrow, self-serving political gain is unconscionable.

To suggest that a woman’s marriage is endangered by her contributing to her community is a desperate and manipulative narrative rooted in outdated patriarchal thinking. It undermines the enormous contributions women make daily to both their homes and society. These women are not neglecting their families; they are strengthening the community that raises their own children.

We call upon the political aspirants involved to:

1. Immediately cease spreading these harmful and misleading messages.
2. Issue an unreserved public apology to the women of Mundu and the wider community.
3. Redirect their energy towards supporting initiatives that uplift, rather than tear down, the community they seek to lead.

We urge the school administration, community leaders, and all people of goodwill to stand with the women of Mundu. Their work must not be politicised. Leadership is about serving the people, protecting the vulnerable, and empowering citizens not preying on fears and disrupting essential services for children to score political points.

The children of Mundu Primary School deserve their meals. The women serving them deserve respect, not threats. And our community deserves leaders with integrity, not those who peddle division and falsehoods.

Issued by:
(original copy signed)
Dr. Tuesday Bwalya
Permanent Secretary
MUCHINGA PROVINCE