.LUNGU

By BENNET SIMBEYE  –

in Johannesburg, South Africa
FIRST Lady Esther Lungu has said she will work to empower women and children through various outreach programmes that are being undertaken in rural areas.
Ms Lungu said poverty among women would undo Zambia’s development efforts if not addressed.
She said this in Johannesburg when she featured on a special television recording on the sidelines of the 25th Ordinary Session of the African Union.
She was also attending the general assembly meeting of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA).
“Women play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development agenda of the countryMs Lungu said. “There is need to empower women to complement efforts of their husbands.”
Ms Lungu said she was working with chiefs and their spouses to end early marriages among girl-children because it was a gross human rights violation which placed girls and boys at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and denied them of a better future.
“I am looking at visiting hospitals (maternity ward). This would help know the number of young girls giving birth. The idea is to encourage them go back to school if their parents agree,” she said.
Ms Lungu commended her predecessor, Christine Kaseba, for championing the fight against cervical cancer in Zambia.
“The former first lady led efforts to fight cervical cancer and mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” she said.
Ms Lungu noted Government’s increased efforts in the fight against cancer by constructing the Cancer Hospital in Lusaka.
“The number of people receiving treatment for HIV/AIDs and cancer has increased, but there is need for continued sensitisation,” she said.
With help of cooperating partners, Zambia was progressing in the fight against cancer and HIV/AIDS.