Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
First Lady Esther Lungu has called on the church to get actively involved in the prevention of gender based violence.
Speaking during the commemoration of the one billion rising campaign to end violence against women in Lusaka today, Mrs. Lungu says it is important that the church commits to spiritually assisting abused and abusive individuals and their families in their healing and recovery process.
Mrs. Lungu says the church should also hold church professionals and church leaders accountable for maintaining their personal behavior as is appropriate for persons in positions of spiritual leadership and trust.
She points out that even as the country recognizes the global extent of GBV and the serious long term effects upon the lives of everyone affected, all stakeholders must respond to gender based violence.
Mrs. Lungu says reports of abuse and violence should be taken seriously, adding that to remain indifferent and unresponsive is to condone, perpetuate and potentially extend such behavior.
She says it is everyone’s responsibility to cooperate with other professional services, listen and care for those suffering from any form of violence, highlight injustices and speak out in defence of victims.
And WILSA Chairperson Priscilla Chileshe challenged women and perpetrating violence to stop as the law will not spare anyone regardless of one’s sex or status
And on behalf of Gender Minister Victoria Kalima, Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Gender Edwidge Mutale says government has put in place a number of measures to help support GBV victims after the realization that some women fear reporting GBV cases because they will have no one to provide for them if their husbands are arrested.
She says funds have been set aside for GBV victims to start up small businesses so that they continue with their livelihoods in the event that their spouses are arrested.