“Why I had never smoked or consumed alcohol” : Zambian President opens up during 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence conference
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema recently revealed he has never consumed alcohol or smoked cigarettes, citing substance abuse as a key driver of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking at the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on November 25, Hichilema urged citizens to avoid falling prey to alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse, which can lead to violent behavior such as GBV.
“Situations like GBV often occur when people are under the influence. As a student at UNZA (University of Zambia), I made a conscious decision to abstain from alcohol and cigarettes, a choice that has served me well,” he said.
President Hichilema emphasized the need for citizens to avoid substance abuse, highlighting its link to uncontrollable behavior. “Alcohol and drug use can lead to regrettable actions and even imprisonment – a risk that men and boys, in particular, should be aware of,” he cautioned.
He strongly condemned GBV, labeling it “utterly unacceptable.” He added, “No man should ever feel entitled to harm the very person they vowed to love and protect – it’s a betrayal of trust and a violation of human dignity.”
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an international campaign that takes place annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10.
