Discrimination against women is especially prevalent in traditional tribunals that are courts of first instance in most rural areas. Spousal abuse and other violence against women are reportedly common. Zambia s trade unions remain among Africa s strongest, and union rights are constitutionally guaranteed. The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, an umbrella for Zambia s 19 largest unions, operates democratically without government interference. Collective bargaining rights are protected by the 1993 Industrial and Labor Relations Act, and unions negotiate directly with employers.
Development is burdened by high levels of corruption and inflation.
The official Anti-Corruption Commission showed few results, and a public sector reform program also had little effect. Privatization of state enterprises continued slowly. There was limited progress on sale of immense state-owned copper mines. New business formation is slowed by the country s weak financial structures.