Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-08 03:51:13
The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) is celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March with the theme “Invest in Women and Girls, Accelerate Progress”. This year’s focus is on the importance of economic and social empowerment in promoting gender inclusiveness.
Gender inclusiveness and economic empowerment are vital for advancing human rights and social justice principles. The ZNWL recognizes the significance of women’s participation in social and economic spheres. Economic empowerment not only promotes gender equality but also drives economic growth. Studies have shown that closing the gender gap in the economy can significantly boost GDP growth.
Despite the progress made, Zambia still faces barriers to gender inclusiveness. These include low representation of women in decision-making roles, limited access to economic opportunities, gender-based violence, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies.
The ZNWL is calling for comprehensive measures to enhance women’s participation in various spheres:
1. Social Safety Nets and Economic Empowerment: Strengthen social safety nets and economic empowerment programs with a gender perspective to increase women’s participation.
2. Support for Informal Sector Women: Provide support to women in the informal sector through funding, market access, networking, and training opportunities to promote economic growth.
3. Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Adopt gender-responsive budgeting to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
4. Affirmative Policies: Formulate policies to facilitate women’s leadership roles in various sectors.
5. Electoral System Reform: Advocate for electoral system reform to facilitate women’s participation in political leadership.
6. Addressing Cultural Norms and GBV: Intensify efforts to address harmful cultural practices and gender-based violence.
Women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres is crucial for sustainable development and stability. Upholding gender equality principles aligns with regional and international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals and regional protocols.
The ZNWL urges all Zambians to support gender equality and equity as a human rights imperative. Implementing the Gender Equality and Equity Act through the establishment of the Gender Commission is essential for mainstreaming gender in both public and private sectors.
On this International Women’s Day, the ZNWL extends warm wishes to all Zambian women, advocating for continued progress and empowerment in 2024.
Issued by Ms. Daisy Nkhata Ng’ambi, National Board Chairperson of ZNWL.
In conclusion, the ZNWL recognizes the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day and highlights the need to invest in women and girls to accelerate progress towards gender equality and equity. It calls for comprehensive measures to enhance women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres in Zambia. Supporting women’s empowerment is crucial for sustainable development and aligns with regional and international commitments for gender equality.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
