Government has assured to end violence against women, girls and children in the country.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba has observed that concerted efforts are therefore needed to foster a culture of zero tolerance to violence in all its forms.
Speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Chief Child Development Officer, Mr. Lackson Chipampa, during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Minister further called for interrogation and dismantling of all negative social norms and cultural practices that infringe on the rights of girls.
“Globally, 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of violence atleast once in their lifetime. The picture in Zambia according to the 2018 Health Demographic Survey, shows that atleast 36 percent of women had reported experiencing violence” she said.
Ms. Mwamba is however happy that this year’s commemoration under the theme “our time is now-our rights, our future” is in line with government’s aspirations as evidenced by the recent enactment of the children’s code bill, which is significant and a huge milestone in advancing the right of girls and wellbeing of children in the country.
Ms. Mwamba disclosed that the Ministry, is currently working with cooperating partners, to rollout the children’s code bill which provides for roles, responsibilities and duties of most stakeholders such as parents, guardians, local communities, organizations, traditional leaders and the whole Zambian society.
And United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Country Representative, Ms. Gift Malunga encouraged girls to prioritize education so as to secure a bright future.
She highlighted on the need for reproductive health education in order for girls to understand their responsibilities in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Meanwhile, Director for Child Development, Ms. Bridget Moya, called on girls to be resilient and protect themselves from vices such as early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
She said girls should ensure they are counted in issues of personal and national development.
