The Zambian government has denied allegations that women are prevented from carrying handbags to state occasions.
This follows a complaint about “gender-insensitive security measures” at a recent event at the president’s official residence.
According to Grace Sinkamba of the Coordinating Council of Non-Governmental Gender Organizations, it amounts to discrimination against women and girls.
However, state house spokesperson Clayson Hamasaka stated that no lady was denied admission to the premises “solely because she was carrying a handbag.”
Those who refuse to have their bags screened would be denied entry, he warned.
