U.S. Africa Command leads regional collaboration in Zambia to strengthen efforts against workplace harassment and violence in military settings.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Southern African military forces have initiated a crucial regional partnership aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) within military ranks. The initiative, taking place through a series of workshops in Lusaka, Zambia, focuses on enhancing regional collaboration to address the pervasive issue of harassment and violence in military workplaces.
These efforts are being led by AFRICOM and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), with active participation from the Zambia Defense Force and military representatives from Botswana. The workshops serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, open dialogue, and the development of comprehensive strategies to reduce sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
The workshops emphasize the critical role of military leadership in creating environments where all personnel feel valued and protected. Lieutenant Colonel Linda Jones, Chief of African Health Engagements at USAFE-AFAFRICA, underscored the responsibility leaders bear in shaping the culture of respect within the military.
“It is the responsibility of leaders that all of us set the tone,” Jones remarked, highlighting the need for a proactive stance in both enforcing policies and modeling respectful behavior. She emphasized the importance of empowering personnel to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant Samara Brown spoke about the detrimental effects of unchecked gender-based violence on military performance. She pointed out that such violence erodes trust within military units, disrupts cohesion, and ultimately compromises the readiness of personnel to execute their duties effectively.
“Gender-based violence undermines the core values of any military organization,” Brown said. “We must take a firm stand against it, not just as a matter of policy but as a commitment to uphold the principles of honor, integrity, and respect that define our service.”
The Lusaka workshops, facilitated by retired U.S. Air Force official Keith Castille, focus on building collaborative frameworks to tackle gender-based violence. Castille stressed that no military could address the issue alone and that regional cooperation was key to developing effective solutions.
“By sharing knowledge and collaborating across branches and communities, we can develop more effective strategies to combat gender-based violence,” Castille stated. He also noted that engaging in open dialogue and joint initiatives would strengthen the collective response to the issue across Southern Africa.
Zambia is taking a proactive role in this regional effort. Zambian Defense Force Major Stephen Muleya emphasized the importance of creating a harassment-free military workplace. He argued that personnel are more likely to focus on their duties when they feel secure and unthreatened by violence or intimidation.
In line with these efforts, Zambian authorities announced plans to open a regional office dedicated to innovative solutions for combating gender-based violence. Zambian Air Force legal adviser Major Glory Musonda noted that collaboration with U.S. partners would contribute to actionable solutions within the region’s military forces.
“We all have a responsibility to build military environments where respect and dignity are upheld,” Musonda stated, urging active steps to ensure the safety and well-being of every service member.
The ongoing discussions in Lusaka also align with the broader agenda of women, peace, and security, which U.S. Army War College officials are addressing in separate talks. This initiative is part of a larger effort to create safer, more inclusive military environments and to strengthen the overall capacity of regional forces in addressing gender-based challenges.
The joint effort between AFRICOM and Southern African militaries marks a significant step forward in addressing gender-based violence within the military.
By fostering regional collaboration, enforcing leadership accountability, and developing comprehensive strategies, this initiative aims to create a military culture that values respect, dignity, and the well-being of all service members. As these efforts progress, they offer the potential for long-term change, not only in military environments but also in the broader societal context of gender equality and security.
