First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa says food insecurity and low incomes have continued to devastate women across the country.
Mrs. Mwanawasa says this trend degrades the status of women and deprives them of the opportunity to effectively participate in national development.
She however called on women not to surrender to the challenges they face but to
empower themselves by engaging in viable and sustainable income generating
activities.
Mrs. Mwanawasa was speaking in Kafue today when she handed over certificates to over
11 Women Groups during the 5th Pass Over Gift ceremony of the Chikupi Goat Project.
The 1st Lady noted that empowerment at household level is central to wrestling
women out of poverty and enabling them to participate in national development.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Mwanawasa has challenged Non-government Organisations (NGOs) to go
down to the grassroots and prove their relevance by helping vulnerable women and
children.
Mrs. Mwanawasa pointed out that government alone cannot manage to empower all
vulnerable women in the country.
She pointed out that modern society has no room for unproductive tendencies.
Mrs. Mwanawasa however commended Heifer International for supporting the Women
Groups in an effort to eradicate poverty among women and in communities.
Speaking at the same occasion, Heifer International Training Co-ordinator Nachimuka
Cheepa said Heifer International stands ready to assist the vulnerable in society.
She disclosed that so far 20,000 women in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern , Central and
Southern Provinces have benefited from the efforts of the organisation.
Ms. Cheepa said Heifer International has given out 200 goats to 30 families in Kafue
district alone.
And a representative of the Women Groups Anna Moonga said HIV and AIDS has
particularly devastated the womenfolk and prevented them from participating in
national development.
She observed that most families in Kafue are either Child or Woman-headed hence the
need for assistance for such families.
She has since commended the MMCI for striving to help vulnerable women across the
country.
