Pregnancy-Related Factors Associated with Female Officers’ Career Progression in the Zambia Army
by Colonel Emmanuel Sithole, Rosemary Chilufya, Simson Mwale
Published: February 23, 2026 • DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10200057
Abstract
Background: Many armed forces have improved opportunities for female officers, but significant barriers remain, especially regarding pregnancy and motherhood. Pregnancy, maternity leave, and childcare responsibilities may interrupt female officers’ career trajectories during critical phases of training, evaluation, and promotion.
Objectives: This study examined the influence of pregnancy-related factors such as childbearing, age at first birth, and number of children on the career progression of female commissioned officers in the Zambia Army.
Methods: Data from 118 officers were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.