Friday, March 29, 2024

Avoid being swayed into illicit activities, Gender Minister tells women and youths

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File:Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri and NATSAVE Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda admiring the merchandise during the Lionesses of Africa breakfast

Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri has urged women and youths in the country to be assertive and avoid being swayed into engaging in illicit activities which may endanger their lives during this festive season.

And Mrs Phiri said the law will not spare anyone who will be found wanting irrespective of age and gender for those engaged in sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases.

Mrs. Phiri cautioned women especially girls not to engage in reckless beer drinking and avoid being taken advantage of by irresponsible men and youths.

She said breaking the law with impunity attracts stiff punishment by the law as no person has the right to take the law into his or her own hands.

Mrs Phiri, who is PF Kanyama lawmaker is shocked with recent media reports of inhuman acts which some women have committed towards fellow women, children and intimate partners.

“I would like to warn women and the youth especially girls to avoid being found in conflict with the law for cases which can be sorted out amicably and in a mature manner,” Mrs Phiri said.

The Minister expressed concern that the number of juvenile offenders raised sharply by 568 cases last year compared to 2016.

According to the 2017 statistics of juvenile delinquency by the Zambia Police Service, 1,761 juvenile offenders were convicted compared to 1,193 juveniles who were convicted in 2016 for various offences ranging from assault, drunkenness and incapable or disorderly acts and house breaking.

Mrs. Phiri has also urged victims of GBV especially men who shy away for fear of victimisation to report any form of abuse to relevant authorities so that whoever is found wanting could face the full wrath of the law.

She said the festive season is a time to spend with families and friends and reflect on the achievements attained and look forward to future prospects.

She also urged parents to ensure that they save enough money for children`s school fees instead of going on shopping sprees out of excitement.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Gender has wished citizens a violence free Christmas and Prosperous 2019.

This is contained in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Ministry of Gender Media Liaison Officer, Mwape Mwenya.

1 COMMENT

  1. This is what we want to hear Ministry of Gender addressing everyday. Words of encouragement, not condemning Men and Boys day in and day out!

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