Gender equality an urgent matter-Kapata

Mandevu Member of Parliament (MP) Jean Kapata says government is committed to promoting gender equality at all levels in the country.

Ms. Kapata, who is also Minister of Tourism and Arts, said government was aware that women have continued to suffer discrimination and lack of participation in many areas of economic development.

She said this trend needed to be changed urgently so that women can be accorded chance to be protected and to participate in the development of Zambia.

Ms. Kapata said this today during the Non-Governmental Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) launch of the 2015 International Women’s Day activities in Chipata compound in Lusaka.

The international women’s day falls on March 8, every year.

She also disclosed that government has developed a gender equality and equity bill which will be presented to parliament during the current sitting.

Ms. Kapata said President Edgar Lungu has continued with the legacy of the late President Michael Sata to appoint more women to positions of decision making.

And speaking at the same function, NGOCC Board Chairperson Sara Longwe observed that women in Zambia have continued to face many challenges which needed immediate attention from all stakeholders.

Ms. Longwe said the socio-economic inequalities affecting peri-urban and rural populations remain a challenge in Zambia.

She has meanwhile expressed disappointment at the continued increase in gender based violence (GBV) in the country.

Ms. Longwe has since urged government and the civil society organisations to double their efforts in the fight against GBV.