Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has urged Zambian women to work towards the attainment of international targets on issues focusing on the empowerment of women.
Mrs Nalumango says women must strive to achieve Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 for a better Zambia and Africa at large.
Speaking in Lusaka today, when she officially opened the two-day United Nations |(UN) African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Conference, the Vice President said the targets which focus on improving the social, economic, and political status of women need to be promoted by the women folk.
Mrs Nalumango said Zambian women need to place as an ultimate goal, achieving gender equality and inclusive development locally and across the continent.
“ I wish to encourage the women of Zambia to contribute positively to these collective targets for a better Zambia and a better Africa. It is, therefore, my expectation that this conference will be decisive in steering renewed motivation in raising awareness about critical issues that revolve
around gender equality and empowerment of women and girls,” she said.
And the Vice President called on participants at the conference to focus on meaningful collaboration that will bring positive change.
Ms. Nalumango said the discussions should be a catalyst for action, translating into concrete policies, legislation and initiatives that elevate women’s roles in all spheres of life.
“I, therefore, encourage all women and girls who are participants in this important conference, to engage actively, to collaborate across sectors, and to leave this conference with a renewed commitment to advance gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls,” she advised.
Speaking at the same event, Irish Ambassador to Zambia, Bronagh Carr disclosed that the European country is supporting the United Nations System in Zambia to a tune of over 52 million kwacha, in a programme meant to empower women and girls.
Ms. Carr explained that the programme will tackle Gender Based Violence and discrimination against women.
“We are supporting the office of the UN Resident Coordinator and other UN agencies in Zambia in a new programme promoting women and girls empowerment and significantly contributing to gender based violence across the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali urged AWLN Zambia to place gender issues high on the national agenda.
“Through the demonstrated leadership vision and roles of the AWLN Pioneers, the AWLN Zambia Chapter will carry the torch forward to ensure that the leadership space is opened up to women, young and old, from all faiths, backgrounds, all tribes and all political affiliations,” Ms. Mutali said.
