Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba has reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring that women in Zambia are empowered.

Ms. Mwamba indicated that Government through her Ministry is implementing various programmes aimed at empowering women.

She said women have the potential to contribute greatly to economic growth of the country when empowered.

The Minister was speaking when a delegation from the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC) paid a courtesy call on her.

“As Government we understand the importance of women in the development of any country, this is why we have in place various women empowerment programmes under my Ministry. Among the many empowerment opportunities we have are trainings in business and life skills, and grants,” Ms Mwamba said.

She also noted the low participation of women in decision making, stressing that Government is doing everything possible in ensuring more women take part in decision making.

And NGOCC Chairperson Grace Sinkala expressed concern over the increasing number of Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls in the country.

“A day hardly passes without news of women and girls been raped, battered and their rights violated, this is unacceptable and much needs to be done to bring this to an end. We need to work together to create a better nation for women and girls to live in,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sinkala commended the Ministry on the enactment of the Children´s Code Act aimed at protecting the rights of children.

She said the Act will help address most of the issues affecting children in the country.