Hundreds of women marched through Zambian capital Lusaka on Tuesday to commemorate the International Womens Day, as the government said it is reviewing laws regarding gender-based violence so as to give stiffer punishment to perpetrators.
The women, accompanied by a few men marched from the main post office in the city center to the Freedom Statue singing pro-women songs.
– Gender violence has continued to haunt us and as government we will not condone this. Government will ensure that the perpetrators of gender violence and violence against children are punished severely by the law enforcement agencies, Judith Kapijipanga, minister of lands who was officiating at the occasion told the marchers.
While acknowledging strides made by the government in fighting the scourge, the minister called on all stakeholders to get involved so that it is completely rooted out.
– What we request you is to report these cases and provide support in our quest for a violent free environment, she said.
This years commemoration with the theme “Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building A more Secure Future” has coincided with the review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, a document adopted by the global community in 1995.
The document provides comprehensive strategies for the empowerment of women and girls and ensures gender equality.
Kapijipanga said the theme provides governments in the world to re-commit themselves to achieving gender equality and securing a future that embraces and recognizes the contributions of both men and women.
But, UN Population Fund Resident Coordinator Margaret O Callagan said although progress on protecting the rights of women has been made, a lot remains to be done.
To date, only 15 countries have reached the target of 30 percent of women in parliament.
High levels of gender-based violence in conflict zones, the growth in trafficking of women and high levels of maternal mortality and rising rates of HIV infection among women and girls all point to the need for greater awareness and collective action, she said.
Kilde: The Push Journal
