Luo calls for concerted efforts in ending GBV

Gender Minister Nkandu Luo has called for concerted efforts at family, community and national levels if ending Gender Based Violence in the country is to become a reality.

Professor Luo says there is need for all stakeholders to act, and act now to end GBV cases in Zambia.

Gender and Child Development Minister Nkandu Luo

She is hopeful that once the Gender Equity and Equality Bill is enacted into law cases of Gender Based Violence and Child Marriages will reduce tremendously.

Professor Luo says child marriages and abuse have reached alarming levels and Government and its partners needs to put this to an end.

She says her Ministry acknowledges that child marriages are a form of sexual exploitation of children which requires laws to be enacted to address this problem.

She says Government will continue to engage all stakeholders to find ways to curb child marriages.

Professor Luo was speaking in Lusaka today during the commemoration of the International Day to Eliminate violence against women and the Launch of the 16 days of activism against based Gender Violence dubbed From peace in the Home to peace in the world: Make education safe for all: end marriages now.

And Non Governmental Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Vice Board Chairperson Yunkie Mwale says Child marriage remains a brutal reality for millions of girls in Zambia, denying them the right to live healthy, to enjoy their childhood to the fullest and fulfilling lives.

Ms. Mwale says poverty, lack of education; gender stereotyping, discrimination and negative traditional practices have resulted in millions of these girls being married off before their 18th birthday.
Speaking Earlier International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission Abibatou Wane says women have a lot to contribute to the fight against gender based violence.
Ms. Wane says government should take action against early marriages, violence against women and girls, rape and defilement with zero tolerance actions.