President Hakainde Hichilema says government is initiating programmes aimed at empowering women economically and drive equality to respond to the issue of Gender Based Violence, GBV.
In a message posted on his official Facebook page, to mark this year’s 16 days of GBV activism, the President said this is being done through the CDF and marketeer booster loans, where women will be able to support themselves.
The President said ending GBV is not a singular responsibility, and called for everyone’s responsibility.
He also encouraged citizens to read the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act of 2011 and the recently passed Child Code Act of 2022, to acquaint themselves of their rights as the country launches the 16 days of Gender Activism.
Meanwhile, Non-Governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council Board Chairperson Grace Sinkamba says Gender Based Violence, GBV, especially against women and girls, continues to be one of the worst human rights violations.
Ms. Sinkamba says this is because GBV undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem and that it affects not only physical health but also the mental health of the victims.
She said this during the official launch of commemoration of the 2022 16 days of activism against GBV held under the global theme “unite! activism to end violence against women and girls”.
Ms. Sinkamba said the theme calls on stakeholders to unite to gbv and stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists and to support feminist movements around the world to resist the rollback on women’s rights.
The year’s 16 days of GBV activism will run from today the 25th of November to the 10th of December 2022.
