Chishala Kateka, leader of the New Heritage Party, has voiced strong criticism against the Zambian government, accusing it of politicising the upcoming International Women’s Day celebrations and attempting to severely limit the participation of opposition political parties. Kateka asserts that there are deliberate efforts to obstruct or reduce the involvement of opposition groups not affiliated with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

Kateka highlighted that during last year's Women’s Day commemorations, women from the Patriotic Front (PF) participated in significant numbers across the country, particularly in major cities and towns. This substantial presence reportedly unsettled the ruling UPND, which, on several occasions, found itself outnumbered during the celebrations. This development, according to Kateka, appears to have prompted a calculated move by the government to prevent a similar situation in an election year.

The alleged new directive from the UPND government mandates that political parties wishing to participate in this year’s Women’s Day celebrations must first obtain clearance from District Commissioners. Kateka argues that these District Commissioners are not neutral public officials but rather political appointees openly aligned with the ruling party, thus compromising their impartiality.

Under this new arrangement, any political party seeking participation must submit its certificate of registration, the details of its President and Secretary General, and national registration cards of those leading the participating group for approval. Furthermore, an arbitrary restriction has been imposed, limiting participation to between 25 and 50 individuals per political party.

Kateka drew a parallel between these requirements and the onerous procedures typically demanded by the Electoral Commission of Zambia during elections. She contended that this bureaucratic gatekeeping is explicitly designed to discourage and suppress the participation of women affiliated with opposition political parties. Kateka firmly emphasised that Women’s Day is intended to celebrate the achievements, dignity, and rights of all women, irrespective of their political affiliation.

She warned that the event should never be degraded into a partisan activity or monopolised by the ruling party for political advantage. Kateka stressed that the freedom of association and participation in public life are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Zambian Constitution and must be respected. She urged women's organisations to intervene and speak out against these unjust restrictions, asserting that women should not have their rights curtailed due to their political choices. Kateka concluded that such developments risk transforming a national celebration of women into a political rally for the ruling party, thereby undermining the true spirit and purpose of Women's Day.