President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to appoint more women in decision making positions.
The President notes that the government will not relent on the affirmation made towards increasing women empowerment through various opportunities such as education and skills development.
The Head of State has assured that women befitting positions that are predominantly perceived as male dominated will be appointed to heights worth their status.
ZANIS reports that Mr Hichilema has since encouraged the women to change the narrative and focus on implementing deliverables that work towards actualising and promoting gender equity.
“My government will continue providing the country with more recruitment of women, so women do not shy away in your homes, come out and present yourselves so that you are given your deserving positions,” he stated.
The President also commended the United Nations and the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council among other stakeholders that advocate for women empowerment to continue fostering the cause that recognises the role that women play in society.
He also encouraged church leaders and traditional leaders not to relent in fostering the message of family unity and peace, which bridges gender-based violence at household and society level.
And President Hichilema has congratulated the women not only in the Northern Region but the country as a whole, for the tremendous achievements scored, which has seen an increase in women being appointed in decision making positions and highly competitive with the men.
He reminded that government has in his administration increased the recruitment of women in various sectors of society, as well as continued to encourage enhanced education among women and girls, noting that this is being done towards the objective to achieve the fifty-gender equity narrative.
Meanwhile President Hakainde Hichilema has re-echoed that his government is not in support of the same sex marriage, calling on the church to heighten the message which speaks and recognises the importance of family values which include a mother, father and children in such a setup.
“I am a strong believer of family values and there I want to reaffirm that I will not relent to strongly condemn same sex marriages,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the UNs commitment to continue enhancing the government’s efforts in advancing the welfare of women through various interventions.
Ms Mutali noted that the UN will not relent in ensuring that gender inclusion and participation is made paramount to address the various needs that women face in society.
Earlier Non-Governmental Organising Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Beauty Katebe commended the government for women recognition and inclusion in decision making processes, while emphasizing for more increased membership of women in parliament, to ensure that women voices are heard.
And Human Rights Commission Director for Research and Planning Foster Hamuyumbwe, noting the continued violation of rights for both women and girls, called for strengthened policies that ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
This year’s International Women’s Day has been held under the theme For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equity, Empowerment.
