ECL OPENS CHAMUKA VILLAGE ANTI-GBV CENTRE
By Hector Simfukwe
President Edgar Lungu has expressed concern with the high number of Gender Based Violence cases.
President Lungu says GBV is not just a health problem but also retards development.
The President says government will not allow GBV statistics to be on the rise.
President Lungu says this why government has come up with various policies which promote non-discrimination and equality.
He says government has also passed laws to mainstream gender in all spheres of life.
President Lungu says government is working at having a fifty-fifty representation of men and women in public offices.
The President said this when he launched the Chamuka village one-stop anti GBV community centre.
President Lungu called for construction of similar centers in all the chiefdoms countrywide.
He said the Centers will play a key role in protecting rights of women and girls.
The President also directed the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs and Gender to quickly formulate guidelines on the establishment of the GBV one-stop Centers.
Speaking earlier, Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri said government is committed to the promotion of women’s rights.
Ms. Phiri also said government is providing empowerment funds to women so that they become economically independent.
And Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Lawrence Sichalwe said government will continue working with chiefs in the promotion of women’s rights.
And UN Resident Coordinator Coumba Mar Gadio said there is more to be done in addressing gender-based violence in Zambia.
Dr Mar Gadio said this is why all stakeholders should work together to address the vice.
And Swedish ambassador to Zambia Anna Hultgard said violence against women should not be allowed during elections.
She said it is good that President Lungu has pledged his support for women participation in elections.