Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the 1995, inaugural Beijing Platform for Action on gender equality.
Gender Division Permanent Secretary, in the Office of the President Mainga Kabika says in 1995, at the time of the inaugural Beijing Platform for Action Conference, Zambia had no recognized legal framework dedicated to gender equality.
ZANIS reports that Ms Kabika said this in a speech she delivered to the Sixty Ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in NewYork , United States of America yesterday.
Ms Kabika pointed out that Zambia has made significant strides in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Commission on the Status of Women for convening this 69th session. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. “She said.
She added that Zambia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group, and the Group of 77 and China.
“My delegation takes note of the Secretary General’s report on this session’s theme and its recommendations, “she stated.
Ms Kabika stated that Zambia takes pride in having enacted progressive legislation, including the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act, the Gender Equity and Equality Act, the Children’s Code Act, the Marriage Act, and the Persons with Disabilities Act, all aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls.
“In addition, the first National Gender Policy was introduced in the year 2000, setting the stage for transformative change,”she said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that as a result of these legal and policy advancements, Zambia has made tangible progress in addressing gender-based violence.
“In 2007 approximately 47% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence in their lifetime. By 2018, this figure had declined to 36%, indicating a positive trajectory. Similarly, child marriage rates have dropped significantly—from 42% in 2002 to 29% by 2018,”she said.
In addition Ms Kabika said Institutional mechanisms have been strengthened to support gender equality initiatives.
“The establishment of the National Gender Machinery, the Victim Support Unit under the Zambia Police Service, GBV One-Stop Centers, GBV Fast-Track Courts, GBV Call Centre, and a dedicated GBV Department at the National Prosecution Authority, “she stated.
She further said Zambia has made remarkable progress in increasing girls’ enrolment and completion rates at all levels of education and that the provision of free education has further reinforced the country’s commitment to ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all children, particularly girls.
“Going forward, Zambia will continue working closely with civil society organizations, development partners, and the United Nations to accelerate progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment, “she said
Ms Kabika called upon the global community to join hands in building a world where women and girls enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and a future free from discrimination and violence.
