VICE President Mutale Nalumango says investing in women is an investment in the entire nation’s future as it can lead to the increment of household income.
Speaking at the Women’s Day Celebrations in Lusaka, the Vice President highlighted the crucial role women play in family well-being.
“The income of a woman is an assured source of income for the family,” she stated, emphasizing that women are more likely to direct their earnings towards the family’s needs.
Nalumango’s call to action extends beyond economics. She stressed the importance of gender equality and equal opportunities for girls, urging the nation to dismantle the barriers that hold women back.
The Vice President acknowledged the disheartening reality of economic disparities faced by women.
To address this, she outlined several government initiatives such as the revised National Gender Policy which aims to ensure the integration of women’s needs and perspectives across all sectors.
She mentioned free education which removes financial barriers ensuring girls are empowered to pursue their education, leading to a more skilled and empowered generation.
Nalumango added Improved healthcare facilities as one of the interventions government embarked on which will see the construction of health facilities with women’s needs in mind, including maternity annexes at every government health facility to promote safe childbirth and dignity for mothers.
Nalumango emphasized the ripple effect of investing in women.
“When women are educated, there will be improvement in health outcomes,” she noted.
The Vice President also challenged the narrative that women don’t support women.
She urged women to vote for other women and to advocate for greater representation in decision-making positions.
“It is time for women to change the narrative. That we should not continue the narrative that women don’t support women.”
“Look at the numbers we had here why should you be 52 percent as voters generally then you end up with 13 percent (representation in parliament) that mean we have 87 percent women (voting for men). Women must support women,” added Nalumango.
Meanwhile Mukundi Chibesakunda the Zanaco CEO and Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council representative, Mwaka Mulenga were pleased with the strides made in women taking up leadership roles but emphasised the need for a greater improvement.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba March 8, 2024
