Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has announced that government is scaling up support for women, the youth and marginalised communities with a focus on promoting female participation in leadership positions.
Ms Nalumango has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering women and girls empowerment through programmes such as the Girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) , among others.
The Vice President noted that the GEWEL project is increasing access to livelihood support, secondary education and economic empowerment for women and disadvantaged girls in the country.
The Vice President said this during the commemoration of the International Women’s day in Lusaka, held under the theme ‘For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.
Ms Nalumango explained that government has prioritised gender advancement in the 8th National Development Plan through policies and initiatives that have improved health care, economic opportunities and education for women and girls, among other services.
“The Revised National Gender Policy has integrated gender equality across various facets of the Zambian Society, designated to tackle gender disparities and promote equal opportunities.” the Vice President said.
And the Non-governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called for legislative reforms to compel political parties to ensure a 50-50 gender representation in both political adoptions and appointents.
NGOCC Vice Chairperson, Mwaka Mulenga says this is because providing 50 percent leadership opportunities for women will also ensure they have equal access to productive resources such as land.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has acknowledged the government’s commitment to advancing equality, women empowerment, justice and human rights.
UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali has since pledged the organisation’s continued partnership with the Zambian government in advancing women’s rights.
