By ADRIAN MWANZA –
GENDER Minister Nkandu Luo has said the fight against gender inequality cuts across political lines, hence the need for politicians to take part in combating the vice.
Professor Luo said there was need for politicians from all political parties and other stakeholders to join forces and fight gender inequality, which is rampant in the country.
She said this when she and some female parliamentarians from various political parties paid a courtesy call on Chief Nyamphande of Petauke, Eastern Province, before proceeding to launch at the One-Stop-GBV Centre in Msoro Village.
Among the notable members of Parliament (MPs) present were UPND’s Pemba MP Mutinta Mazoka, Petauke MP Dora Siliya and Lukashya MP Alfreda Kansembe.
She said the Government was working closely with the United Nations and the Women for Change to spearhead the HeForShe Campaign, which was targeted to improve women’s rights.
The Government was determined to push the HeForShe agenda because President Edgar Lungu was present during the launch of the pilot project which started in Petauke.
“The President has shown his commitment to spearheading the HeForShe programme because he even attended the launch of the pilot project which was held in Petauke,” she said.
Prof Luo appealed to female MPs to ensure they replicated the success story being achieved by the people of Msoro and Nyanje.
UN resident coordinator Janet Rogan said the success of the two pilot projects had attracted attention from other countries that were also impressed with the activities.
Ms Rogan said the Government and the UN partnership was aimed at improving women and children’s rights through programmes such as the HeForShe campaign, which focuses on men to be responsible for women.
She said the project would be replicated throughout the country and that the UN would continue supporting women through empowerment interventions to help them contribute positively to the economic growth.
“The UN will soon start empowering women so that they can contribute positively to the country’s economy,” Ms Rogan said.
She said the One-Stop GBV centers were aimed at eliminating vices against women and children, including early marriages.