Lungu pledges to continue elevating women

Republican President Edgar Lungu has pledged to continue elevating women in the country saying they remain key partners in development.

And President Lungu has appealed to the cooperating partners, Church, Civil Society Organizations and other key partners to work with his administration in empowering women in the country.

In a speech read on his behalf by Gender Minister Professor Nkandu Luo, President Lungu says women are the agents of development and thus the need to bring them closer in order to foster social and economic development.

He says women’s day commemorations could not have come at a better time than now when UN meeting on the status of women is underway in USA.

President Lungu says Zambia has made a steady progress in ensuring gender equality and that he is committed to including women in developmental agendas.

Speaking at the same event, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says what is heartbreaking is that Gender Based Violence is regarded as one of the normal things that happens to people.

In his speech read on his behalf by UN Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan, Mr. Ki-moon says the attitude of men in all regions are still stacked against women.

Speaking earlier, Non Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Sarah Longwe says there is also need to recognize men who promote gender equality and place women in key positions of development.

Ms Longwe has since commended President Lungu for being number one leader in the promotion of women’s rights.

And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director Pukuta Mwanza praised parliament for approving the appointment of Ireen Mambilima as Zambia’s Chief Justice.

Reverend Mwanza says the church will continue to pray that more women will be appointed in key positions considering that their contributions are enormous.

Some notable people who were present at the stadium include: First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, Lusaka Mayor, Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima and Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini among others.