KAPUTA District Administrative Officer (DAO) Vincent Phiri has called for stakeholders’ continued efforts against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Mr. Phiri urged stakeholders that directly deal with women and girls, such as social welfare, community development, and education, to combine  efforts in dealing with the scourge.

He  said this during a meeting held to prepare for the 16 days of activism whose activities take place between 25th, November and 10th, every year.

“We don’t want to see three departments going to one location, each with their own vehicle and program; let’s combine efforts; we can avoid this and save resources,” said Mr. Phiri.

Kaputa district needs massive sensitisation on SGBV, especially in far-flung areas, in order to combat the long-term effects of sexual Gender based violence.

The DAO, who is also the District Gender Focal Point Chairperson, added that government departments need to come up with sustainability plans to continue implementing projects after donors leave.

And members of the gender subcommittee  disclosed  during the meeting that the district has made progress so far.

District Guidance and Counselling Coordinator Mambwe Banda who represented the department of education, disclosed that his department has set up focal point persons in schools and zones to help in reporting GBV cases.

Mr. Banda said steady progress is being made to reduce GBV and programs like Keeping Girls in School and Free Education are key in the fight.