The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has launched the Joint Unified Society through Inclusive Empowerment (Justice Project) in Kafue and Itezhi-Tezhi districts.
CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape says the project represents a shared commitment to strengthening justice, inclusion, accountability and empowerment particularly for women, youths and vulnerable groups in the two districts.
In a statement made available to ZANIS by the CEJ Communications office, Ms Mwape disclosed that the project is anchored on the broader People and Organisations Working for Equality and Rights (POWER) programme framework, which seeks to strengthen the civil society space, promote human rights and advance inclusive and gender-just development.
She stated that at the core of the project is a simple principle that empowered citizens result in stronger societies, where leaders are accountable and systems promote dignity, equality and participation for all.
“The Justice Project is designed to respond directly to real challenges faced in Kafue and Itezhi-Tezhi districts which require coordinated, inclusive and long-term community-driven solutions.
This vision also compliments government’s efforts, particularly in advancing governance reforms, social inclusion and the empowerment of women and young people”, she stated.
Ms Mwape further highlighted that among the challenges faced by women and youths in Kafue district are, poverty, limited livelihood opportunities, harmful social norms, gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making processes.
She explained that in Itezhi tezhi district, the project will address challenges such as climate variability, droughts and environmental shocks that undermine livelihoods, with women and youths being the most affected.
Ms Mwape reiterated that CEJ recognises that meaningful participation is closely linked to economic empowerment, hence the project supporting women and youths through savings groups, financial literacy training and climate-smart livelihood initiatives.
She added that economically empowered communities are better positioned to participate in governance processes and effectively demand for their rights.
Ms Mwape further explained that the Project is anchored on four key pillars, with the first aiming to strengthen and empower women and youths through access to information, leadership opportunities and livelihood support.
She said the second pillar aims to build common ground by fostering collaboration among communities, traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society and other developmental partners such as Diakonia.
Ms Mwape said the third objective is to transform harmful social norms through community dialogues, positive masculinity initiatives and awareness campaigns that promote dignity, respect and inclusion, while the fourth aspires to strengthen accountability and governance systems by working with duty-bearers to improve transparency, responsiveness and gender-sensitive service delivery.
She expressed gratitude to Diakonia for its financial and technical support and commitment to advancing justice, human rights and inclusive development in the country.
