President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to abusers of women and girls, reiterating that Zambia will no longer tolerate injustices against them.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day commemoration under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the President stressed that women are central to human existence and development.
President Hichilema emphasised that women are a special species in the human race and their contributions to equality, justice and development are invaluable.
He urged men and boys to respect women’s rights and choices.
“Without women, we wouldn’t be here. Cowards are those who coerce young children who are not yet mature enough to make independent decisions and take them back. Why don’t you approach mature women where they like to say yes or no? You are cowards,” he said
The Head of State also highlighted government’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in governance and decision-making, citing appointments of women to senior positions within the Judiciary, Legislature and other key institutions.
Mr Hichilema called on traditional leaders, communities and individuals to work together to stop harmful practices and discrimination against women and girls.
“Let’s build a society where every girl’s rights, every woman and her choices are respected at all times,” he said.
UNDP Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali also stressed the need for urgent action to address disparities faced by women and girls globally, noting that women currently hold only 64% of the legal rights men do.
She called for dismantling discriminatory laws and practices, highlighting Zambia’s progress through initiatives such as the Victim Support Unit and expanded health resources.
Ms Mutali emphasized the need to address risks faced by adolescent girls, including early pregnancy, HIV and gender-based violence, while also eliminating technology-facilitated abuse and hate speech.
“The UNDP remains committed to supporting Zambia’s efforts to achieve gender equality and equity, including advocating for finance, business and trade opportunities for women and girls,” she said.
Meanwhile, NGOCC Chairperson Beauty Katebe underscored the importance of women’s participation in politics and decision-making, calling for a 50-50 nomination threshold for all contestable positions.
“To sideline women is to force our democracy to stand only on one leg,” she said, adding that gender equity is a matter of fairness and national progress.
Ms. Katebe appealed for the establishment of a gender commission to ensure accountability, urged swift action against political violence and called for ratification of the African Disability Protocol to enhance opportunities for women and girls living with disabilities.
“Rights, justice and action must be lived in realities. I’m urging stakeholders to work together to ensure that every girl in Zambia knows her dreams are valid and that her leadership is welcome.” She stressed:
The President is spot on.
However, the situation in Zambia is not helped when you have sexist and misogynistic MP’s like Binwell Mpundu.
Have you seen the thrashy way he treats the speaker because she is a woman?
He is showing men that when you are dealing with women you can do as you please.
A welcomed thought which should be heeded
Also spare a thought for Mrs Lungu