Government acknowledges challenges faced by women

Government acknowledges challenges faced by women

 

Ndola, March 8, ZANIS —— Government says it is aware of the many challenges that women continue to face in the area of social and economic development.

 

Southern Province Minister Josephine Limaata says there is need to reverse such trends in the country by stakeholders through acting together to uplift the status of women.

 

Ms Limaata was speaking in Ndola today where she was guest of honour to mark this year’s International Women’s Day commemoration held at the civic centre under the theme “The

Gender Agenda; Gaining Momentum’’.

 

Ms Limaata pointed out that social and economic development cannot be achieved without the active and effective participation of women at all levels.

 

She said this year’s theme was relevant to Zambia in that it recognises the progress that has been made over the years in promoting gender equality.

 

Ms Limaata said the coming of the Patriotic Front into the power has accelerated the promotion of gender equality and women participation in decision making.

 

She said Zambia today can boost of being among the top countries in the world to have a woman appointed to head law and order in the case of the first female of Inspector General of police, Ms Stella Libongani.

 

Ms Limaata also expressed delight that the women empowerment fund has been dispersed to various groups at local level.

 

Ms Limaata who addressed hundreds of women at the civic centre called on both women and men to work together for a better Zambia and prodded all stakeholders to implement the National Gender Policy.

 

And speaking earlier, Ndola District Sub Committees Women Chairperson Angela Munthali expressed worry at the ever increasing number of gender based violence cases being reported in the country.

 

Ms Munthali called for the involvement of everyone to stop the scourge and not leave it entirely in the hands of the government alone.

 

She said for the gender agenda to continue gaining momentum, women need to speak out on issues affecting them as opposed to keeping quiet.

 

She however commended government for appointing women into higher positions citing Police Copperbelt Chief Mary Tembo.

 

Hundreds of women from all walks of life gathered in Ndola and matched to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

 

The groups included the Patriotic Front women’s league, civil servants, parastatal organisations, and security personnel.

 

However opposition political women groups such as the UPND, UNIP and MMD failed to turn up for the event.