Govt affirm commitment to welfare of girls

Government says it attaches great importance to the welfare of the girls and women regardless of their social status, religion or belief.

Speaking at re-launch of the Nowspar and Stan-chart goal project in Lusaka today, Ministry of Education deputy Permanent Secretary Christine Mayondi says it is the duty of government to support programs such as goal girls project because they help adolescent girls to refrain from indulging in bad vices such as early marriages, beer drinking among others.

Ms. Mayondi notes that as a ministry, they are also encouraged to support and have embraced such programs holistically as such programs fit well and compliment the school curriculum which do not only focus on academic literacy but also on life skills.

She notes that as the country celebrates its golden jubilee this year, efforts towards empowering girls have stepped up for the girls’ personal development and the development of the nation.

Ms. Mayondi has urged the corporate sector to go a step further in recognizing the burden of care giving adding that the responsibility of care giving should be carried by both men and women and not to be left to women only.

She has further appealed to the media to play an increasing role in advocacy and awareness of sports participation of women.

And Standard Chartered Managing Director Andrew Okai says the bank is always keen on being a force for good in the communities where they operate.