Zambia today joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Women’s Day whose theme was the gender agenda, gaining momentum with President Michael Sata reportedly unwell staying away from the event while his aging Vice-President Guy Scott struggled to witness the match pass.
Dr Scott could not salute all the women as he was fatigued most of the occasion when representing his boss during commemorations in Lusaka.
According to Qfm news, speaking at the celebrations at Lusaka Show grounds, President Michael Sata, who speech was read on his behalf by Dr Scott said the PF government has made tremendous progress in implementing the gender policies.
While President Sata claims to attach great importance to gender issues, he did not demonstrate this in action by being present at the women’s event because of his failing health but assured that the PF government ratified the SADC protocol on gender in 2012.
The President has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to work closely with the Ministry of Gender in order to have more women in the Agriculture sector.
President Sata also says women must have equal access to land and further directed the Ministry of Land to work closely with the Ministry of Gender to have more women owning land.
And Gender Minister Inonge Wina has thanked President Sata for his commitment to address gender issues which has seen the first female Inspector General of police.
Speaking at the same occasion, Non Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council NGOCC vice chairperson Mary Mulenga said gender matters must be approached with renewed hope.
Mulenga says there is a lot that needs to be done in increasing women participation in political decision making position especially at Parliament level.
She has also called for the repeal of Article 23 of the current Constitution which allows Customary laws to run side by side with state laws in matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance rights.
Mulenga has also called on government to domesticate the SADC protocol on gender issues.
The NGOCC vice chairperson has further appealed to government to adopt the Republican Constitution through a referendum process, to ensure that defilement cases becomes non bailable and provide leadership in facilitating gender equality at all levels.
And International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Office Director Martin Clemenson says Zambia must take stock of its process in its quest to implement gender issues.
Clemenson has also urged government to deal with the high levels of unemployment in the country adding that unemployment has a direct link to gender violations.
He says there is need for continued commitment by all stakeholders adding that results cannot be achieved overnight.
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