The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in collaboration with African Child Policy Forum is currently holding the National Summit on Girls in Zambia. The Summit is taking stock of progress, good practices, challenges and opportunities, with emphasis on reinforcing multi-sectoral collaboration to advance girls’ rights and wellbeing.
The three-day summit aims at strengthening commitment to advance the rights of girls and vulnerable children in Zambia.
Speaking at the National Summit on Girls, the Vice President, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango said the occasion provided an opportunity for the country to reflect on the development of wellbeing of girl children.
Mrs. Nalumango said besides having good policies on the livelihood of girl children, implementation needs to take centre stage. Zambia needs to step up interventions in order to improve on its standing. She said as a signatory to various instruments on children, Zambia is working tirelessly to meet the commitments.
The Vice President said Government is working on improving the access to quality health care to girls especially in the rural areas. She said it is unacceptable for girls to die from preventable causes adding that it is cardinal to invest in protection of the girl child.
“If we do not invest in the children, we have no future. All of us must be sensitive to the needs and protection of all children,” she said.
And Community Development and Social Services Minister Ms. Doreen Mwamva who was represented by Green Economy Minister, Mr. Collins Nzovu said the recent enactment of the Child Code Bill demonstrates Government’s commitment towards the livelihood of children. Mr Nzovu said Government is putting in place policies that are more children friendly.
He said despite girl children being vulnerable to vices such as child marriage, Government are taking close accountability as it addresses the numerous challenges.
Mr Nzovu added that Government also wants to create opportunities where children will participate in matters that directly involve them. He said the Ministry will not relent in its efforts to improve the welfare of the girl child.
“My Ministry will continue to work tirelessly to improve children’s welfare in general and that of girls in particular. The social cash transfer is one of the vital policy instruments that the New Dawn Administration has scaled up as part of its effort to benefit vulnerable groups,” he said.
And Africa Child Policy Forum, Executive Director, Dr. Joan Nyanyuki commended Government for efforts made in adopting legislation supporting girls’ rights.
“The Government of Zambia has made progress in adopting legislative and policy measures that are sensitive to advancing the rights of girls, within the broader child rights space,” Dr. Nyanyuki said.
And representing the girl child, Beenzu Muzyamba urged the Government and its stakeholders to create a conducive environment that will support and protect the girl child .
Previous Post
