Speak out on GBV – Nalumago

By Sharon Kunda-Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO has called on the public to speak out on behalf of victims of Gender Based Violence -GBV-.

Mrs. NALUMANGO says focus should be on eliminating and NOT only reducing sexual and Gender Based violence.

The Vice President said this when she officiated at the launch of the 16 days of activism against GBV in Lusaka today under the theme ‘Orange the world: End violence against women and girls now’.

Mrs. NALUMANGO noted that the theme is in line with the UN 2030 agenda for achieving Gender equality and empowering women and girls.

She said GBV prevents women and girls from fully participating in developmental processes in society.

Mrs. NALUMANGO said Government is concerned with high Gender inequalities and rates of violence against women and girls.

She further noted that cases of defilement and child marriages continue being reported in the country.

Mrs. NALUMANGO appealed to traditional leaders to engage their subjects on stopping social norms and beliefs that encourage sexual and Gender based violence.

She said Government will focus on empowering vulnerable women and girls including disabled people through access to education, land and business opportunities among others.

And United Nations Resident Coordinator COUMBA MAR GADIO who was represented by UNFPA Country Representative GIFT MALUNGA acknowledged Government’s efforts in addressing GBV.

Dr. MAR GADIO said early marriages and teen pregnancies are a gross human right violation against girls which need to be curbed.

Meanwhile, European Union delegation leader YACEK YANKOWSKI who was represented by Minister Counselor BRUNO HANSES said GBV hampers efforts to reduce poverty and attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. YANKOWSKI said the levels of violence against women in Zambia remain high especially among adolescents.

And United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires SHERYL STUMBRAS noted that 17 thousand survivors of GBV were treated for trauma across the country.

Ms. STUMBRAS said the US Government will in the coming years intensify efforts to support women and girls in Zambia and appealed to Government to actualize the anti GBV fund.

Speaking at the same event, Non-governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council -NGOCC- Board Chairperson MARY MULENGA called for the full implementation of the Gender equity and equality Act.

Mrs. MULENGA further appealed to Government to implement constitutional reforms and ensure an expanded bill of rights is put in place.

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