The National Assembly of Zambia has donated assorted items to circumstantial children at the Lusaka Central Correctional Centre.
These children are either born in prison or brought to prison as a result of their mothers’ incarceration.
Leading the delegation, Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti noted that by supporting circumstantial children who are often silent victims of inequality, social exclusion and gender-based violence, the National Assembly is demonstrating that unity against violence should foster care and compassion for the most vulnerable.
The media reports that Ms Mutti highlighted that the visit has been organised as part of the National Assembly of Zambia’s commemoration of the sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence.
“Circumstantial children are the most vulnerable in our country, and they are not here by choice nor their wrong doing,” she said.
She added that the effects of gender-based violence are far reaching, noting that ending the scourge requires collective responsibility.
Ms Mutti assured that the Zambia National Assembly remains steadfast in strengthening protection mechanisms for women and children.
The Commissioner of Corrections and Extension Services, Namataa Mayumbelo observed that the gesture supports the mandate to protect the most vulnerable in society.
Ms Mayumbelo adds that the donation will improve service deliverables well as the lives of the beneficiaries.
She disclosed that the country has 72 circumstantial children, with twenty-two expectant mothers in the correctional facilities.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Officer In charge for Lusaka Female Correctional Facility, Precious Mweele, thanked the government for establishing a new facility in Mwembeshi which will soon be commissioned, citing that this will help solve the congestion the station is faced with.
“The institution was definitely a holding capacity of 76 inmates. However currently we have a population of 160 inmates, and 10 circumstantial children,” she said.
She later appealed for a utility vehicle, saying the facility currently has no vehicle for emergencies or referrals.
Tell us exactly how you raised these funds. From Hansard sales? From donations out of the mps’ fat allowances? From putting a gun to BOZ governor’s head? The point is parliament isn’t an industry what does it produce? Perhaps you should just stick to talking in the house