The Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, representing the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Hon. Doreen Mwamba, yesterday officiated at the opening of the 23rd Non-Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) General Assembly. The event, held under the theme “Transforming NGOCC for greater impact, reach and sustained women’s empowerment,” highlighted critical gender-related challenges facing Zambia.
In his address, the Minister underscored the relevance of the theme, emphasizing that gender inequality remains a fundamental cause of numerous social issues disproportionately affecting women and girls. He acknowledged NGOCC’s ongoing transformation and rebranding efforts, commending the organization for its commitment to improving the lives of women and girls across Zambia. However, he pointed to persistent challenges such as low participation of women in politics, gender-based violence, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies—all of which are rooted in entrenched patriarchal norms that perpetuate the gender gap.
The Minister expressed confidence that addressing these issues through collective efforts would not only reinvigorate the women’s movement but also strengthen partnerships and foster new strategies to overcome such hurdles. He highlighted the New Dawn Government’s recognition of women’s critical role in Zambia’s political and social development.
Furthermore, the Minister reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance. He called on stakeholders to focus on long-term solutions to combat child marriages, a practice that continues to disempower countless girls and women in the country.
In closing, the Minister urged civil society organizations to intensify their efforts in complementing the government’s work to empower women and contribute to the development of communities. The General Assembly reinforced the collective commitment to creating a Zambia where gender equality drives progress and opportunity for all.
Can someone please help me to understand? What is the real reason why girls should not marry whenever they are ready? why should they be made to wait until they are too old for any man to consider marrying them? Can someone please help me?
There appears to be a correlation between early marriages and high divorce rate. When they become fully formed, they often start to think they don’t really love their husbands, which leads some of them into cheating.
Thankfully, free education can serve as a distraction from early marriage. And we also need to implement family planning for school girls, like their counterparts in the Western world.
Our daughters are enjoying football at cosafa in RSA. Football gave them passports, visas and healthy food.
Look at you and your daughters, all you are discussing is unprotected $ex. You dirty people.
Faz need rewarded for giving thousands girls opportunities of using legs, and not what between legs.
Early marriage should not be encouraged as girls should be encouraged to get good education before thinking of marriage.
Education is an equalizer.lastly educated women have a bright future.
Most educated women shun marriage only the uneducated feel more secure having someone to suppot them ??
Eish , look at the poor personal hygeine of the girls/mothers above . What kind sorry men make such pregnant and then add their very tender age? It says you have no standards or self respect.