Veep links women’s rights to poverty reduction

Vice President Inonge Wina says Government recognizes that without an improvement in upholding women’s and children’s rights and their participation in social and economic life, it will be difficult to reduce poverty and achieve the intended economic growth and sustainable development.

In a speech read on her behalf by deputy minister in the office of the Vice President Chungu Bwalya at the launch of the reviewed national child policy and the dissemination of the reviewed national gender policy in Lusaka today, Ms. Wina says in view of the gender imbalance that still exist at various levels of development; it is important that the country re-doubles its efforts in the implementation of gender and child related programs.

Ms. Wina however states that government has made considerable success in its effort towards achieving gender equity and equality as evidenced by the award the country recently received during the African Union summit in recognition of the country’s efforts in leading the way in championing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

She says the PF government will prioritize areas of action that include awareness campaigns on promotion of gender mainstreaming and child development, and will ensure that ministries and other spending agencies prioritize matters of gender mainstreaming and child development in their programming.

Ms. Wina further states that government will continue pursuing policies and programs that are gender and child responsive and critical for accelerated national development.

And speaking earlier, Department of International Development (DFID) Head of office Emma Donnelly disclosed her organisation has given Zambia 23 million British pounds for the promotion of gender equality and women empower.

Ms. Donnelly says the UK government is aware that it is only with concerted efforts that gender equality can be achieved.

And Family Health International (FHI360) Country Director Dr. Michael Welsh says investing in women’s and children’s empowerment brings a lot of economic benefits.

Dr. Wash points out that when women are empowered, they are likely to invest in the well being of the families and as a result reduce the poverty levels in the country.