ZAMBIA COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba touring stands

By ANNIE ZULU

Zambia joined the rest of world in the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) which falls on 3rd December. 

This year's commemoration whose theme was: " 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world', started with a March past from the University of Zambia (UNZA) to the Lusaka Show Grounds where the event was held.

Speaking during the commemoration, Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba who was Guest of Honour said persons with disabilities are equal partners in Zambia's development, hence Government's commitment to ensuring their inclusion in all activities, especially decision-making processes.

Ms. Mwamba said this can be seen in President Hakainde Hichilema`s appointments of persons with disabilities in a number of key positions.

She also indicated that this year's theme was strategically chosen to create awareness on disability issues as the country strive for a sustainable future for all by addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality and exclusion.

"Government has enhanced access to digital educational materials by making available tablets to enable digital access by learners including learners with disabilities. Sign language has also been included in the curriculum for health personnel particularly that of nurses as fronts line staff in service delivery.

"In quest to end poverty, budgetary allocation under the Social Cash Transfer and Food Security Pack programmes have been increased thereby resulting in an increase in the number of beneficiaries," the Minister said.

United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali applauded Government on its efforts and commitment towards promoting the rights and access to equal opportunities for all. 

Ms. Mutali reassured the UN`s support to Government in promoting a society that values the participation of all persons regardless of their abilities.

"The UN team in Zambia is currently implementing the United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection which supports Government in strengthening systems and frameworks which promote disability inclusion," she said.  

She further stressed the need to address physical barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from enjoying their rights.

"We need to ensure, among other things, that buildings have appropriate signage, elevators have sensors, and all buildings are generally accessible to persons with disabilities. This should cut across both state and non-state infrastructure," Ms. Mutali said. 

And Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Moses Luneta thanked Government for its effort in inclusion of persons with disabilities in country's development. 

 "The new dawn Government is a pro-disability Government, persons with disabilities were recruited in the recent education and health workers recruitments. For the first time, persons with disabilities feel included," Mr. Luneta said.

Giving a vote of thanks, Zambia Federation of Disability Organizations (ZAFOD) vice president Paul Mbewe expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who participated in the commemoration and called on members of the public to be champions of equality of persons with disabilities.

RAPED: WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES SHARE ORDEALS

Prisca Ntalasha

By ANNIE ZULU

On her wheelchair, Taonga Phiri sings her favourite bemba hymn, "Lesa ekachema wandi," which means "The Lord is my Shepherd," and the sorrow and pain in her voice cannot be overlooked.

She was born with paralysed legs and is unable to walk. She is not depressed as a result of her condition because she has lived with it for the past 18 years and accepted her fate. She is depressed because a heinous incident that happened to her three years ago still haunts her.

Taonga, the youngest of her parents' four children, was raped when she was 15 by an unknown man, and the incident not only left her psychologically traumatised, but also physically injured. She has a bone injury on her right hip from the process and requires immediate medical attention.

She had travelled with her mother from Lusaka, her hometown, to Chipata, Eastern Province, for a funeral when the incident occurred.

Taonga`s Nightmare

Taonga vividly recalls a man pushing her to the ground and forcing her legs wide open in the backyard of one of the huts, where she was alone.

The rapist, whose face she couldn't recall, told her not to scream and threatened to kill her if she did.

"I couldn't run away or fight him. I was afraid of dying, so I let him do whatever he wanted with me," Taonga explains.

She has never told anyone about the incident until now because she is afraid, particularly of her mother, who she claims is harsh to her.

Her father, who died earlier this year, was the only person she said showed her love and care.

Taonga begs this reporter to help her get rid of the pain on her right hip bone that she has been experiencing since the rape.

"Sometimes I can't sleep at night because the pain is too intense. I just want this pain to go away; please help me," Taonga cries.

`Mr Nice` Turns Rapist

Chipo Siyadindi, 30, of Lusaka's Kuku Township is another victim of sexual violence. She, too, is unable to walk and relies on a traditional wooden wheelchair.

Chipo was 26 years old when she was raped by Lupupa, a man she lived in the same neighbourhood with and who was 'nice' to her.

"He wheeled me to an unfinished building and said he liked me, and before I knew it, he was on top of me. I was not prepared, I sobbed as he raped me. Lupupa was so nice to me, and I had no idea he could be so nice to me," Chipo recalled.

Chipo discovered she was pregnant a few months later; however, Lupupa rejected the pregnancy when approached, stating that he cannot accept a baby from a "disabled woman."

"My son is now four years old, and I have been supporting him solely through begging and the money I receive from the government through Social Cash Transfer. I haven't seen Lupupa since," she explained.

Saved by a Scream

Prisca Ntalasha's story differs slightly from Taonga and Chipo's.

Prisca, who is 45 years old and uses a wheelchair, narrowly avoided being raped by a family friend.

"I was 27 years old when my elder sister left me at home with a male family friend to go shopping. He saw an opportunity to touch me, but I screamed, neighbours came to my rescue, and he ran away," Prisca explained.

Prisca is still traumatised by the incident, despite the fact that she was not rapped and that many years have passed.

"I am always afraid and suspicious of men, especially those who try to approach me, because I believe they want to rape me," she explained.

These three stories represent many girls and women with disabilities who have not only been sexually assaulted but have also suffered in silence.

Thousands of girls and women are raped in Zambia each year, with people with disabilities among the victims.

People with disabilities, according to the United Nations (UN), are those who have "long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, when combined with other barriers, may impede their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."

Lack of Statistics on Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities

Zambia Police's 2021 Annual Gender Based Violence (GBV) Statistical Report shows that at least 3,031 sexual offences against girls and women were reported across the country in 2021.

However, the report does not specify how many of those cases involved girls and women with disabilities.

According to this reporter's findings, national prevalence data on violence against women and girls with disabilities are not available in Zambia, as it is in many other Southern African countries, including Malawi and Botswana.

To back up this, Emmah Kaputo, Rehabilitation and Research Senior Officer at the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), a quasi-governmental organisation responsible for disability issues, stated in an interview that the agency currently has no data or statistics on sexual violence against girls and women with disabilities, despite receiving reports.

Ms. Kaputo, on the other hand, stated that plans to create a database for such cases are in the works.

"We have developed a Disability Information System (DIS) for all people with disabilities, and we are now planning to create a database of all cases involving people with disabilities," she explained.

Call for Action

Global evidence suggests that the prevalence of violence among people with disabilities is higher than among those without disabilities. This is especially true for women and girls with disabilities, who are subjected to all forms of violence, including gender-based violence (GBV).

According to Bwalya Chilufya, National Coordinator and Activist of the Zambia National Association for Women with Disabilities (ZNADWO), sexual violence against girls and women with disabilities is on the rise in Zambia.

"There is no safe place for girls and women with disabilities out there; they are raped on a daily basis in communities and even in their homes; they are more vulnerable, and the majority of them are unable to defend themselves. It's real and it's everywhere," Ms Chilufya explained.

She did observe, however, that most victims do not report because they are stigmatised by the community and, in some cases, the police.

"When they report, in most cases, no one believes them; instead, they are ridiculed, and no one wants to be ridiculed." "More sensitization is required for victims, law enforcement, and the community," she said.

Sexual violence against girls and women with disabilities is undeniably prevalent in Zambia, and the importance of all stakeholders paying close attention to the issue cannot be overstated.

These girls and women are daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, wives, friends, and, above all, human beings who, like those without disabilities, require protection.

UNICEF HANDS OVER EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT HUBS IN CHONGWE

By ANNIE ZULU

UNICEF has officially handed over two Community Based Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) hubs, locally called Insakas to the Zambian Government in Chongwe District's Chibombe and Kasubanya villages.

The hubs which were constructed at the cost of K1.4 million will provide opportunities for children in the two communities to receive nurturing care interventions that will help them grow and attain their full developmental potential.

In a speech read on behalf of Health Minister Sylvia Masebo by Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba during the handover ceremony, Ms. Masebo said Government has prioritized a multi- sectoral approach to respond to various issues of Early Childhood Development.

Newly Constructed Chibombe Early Childhood Development hub in Chongwe

The Minister described the construction of the ECD hubs as a progressive move, stressing that the facilities will help address some of the issues affecting children such as malnutrition.

“The infrastructure has taken care of all key elements such as a nutrition blocks where nutrition counselling sessions will be provided and this will go a long way in empowering caregivers with knowledge on how to prepare age-appropriate nutritious meals for children,” Ms. Masebo said.

And Ms. Mwamba expressed confidence that the hubs will help in uprooting ill vices against children such as child neglect and abuse.

“As of May 2022, there were 6,582 children placed in different childcare facilities across the country, some children were either neglected, abused, dumped or abandoned,” she said.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Mohamed Malick Fall Commended Government for taking important steps such as the enactment of the Children`s Code Act to enable every Zambian child a bright future.

Mr. Fall also reaffirmed UNICEF`s commitment to supporting Early Childhood Development programmes in Zambia.

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES REDUCE ADOLESCENT PREGNANCIES (RAP) CAMPAIGN

By ANNIE ZULU

Government has launched the Reduce Adolescent Pregnancies (RAP) campaign with the aim of preventing early and unintended adolescent pregnancies in Zambia.

Speaking during the official launch of the campaign in Lusaka, Vice President Mrs Mutale Nalumango, who was represented by Community Development and Social Services Minister, Ms. Doreen Mwamba said this was one of Government's many interventions towards the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancies in the country.

Mrs. Nalumango noted that adolescent pregnancies are a threat to national development and that Government working with various stakeholders is scaling up efforts toward the issue.

“As Government, we are certain that all efforts coupled with this campaign will see a big reduction in adolescent pregnancies,” Mrs Nalumango said.

The Vice President also encouraged children to make right decisions and get the required skills to be productive citizens in future.

And Ms. Mwamba whose Ministry seats the Child Development Department, said her Ministry is strengthening sensitization and training programmes targeted at vulnerable households and individuals, as many incidences of adolescent pregnancies occur due to factors associated with poverty and vulnerability.

In a speech read on her behalf by Child Development Department Director Bridget Mooya, the Minister said her Ministry is also enhancing the the welfare and livelihoods of poor and vulnerable people, reducing developmental inequalities and mitigating violence against women and children, among others.

Ministry of Education Education Minister Douglas Syakalima  who was represented by the Ministry Directo´s for Health and Nutrition Malalu Mulundika, stated that statistics shows that 16, 419 girls dropped out of school in 2020 due to pregnancy and that only 7, 954 were re-addmited.

Minister of Health Ms. Silvia Masebo represented by the Ministry`s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Professor Luckson Kasonka, stressed the need to empower adolescents with knowledge and information on condoms as dual protection against pregnancy and Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) and on contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Meanwhile, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Gift Malunga assured Government and Zambia of the UN`s support towards ending adolescent pregnancies in the Country.

And giving on vote of thanks on behalf of her fellow children Sithembile Mwale thanked Government and stakeholders for their efforts towards ending adolescent pregnancies in Zambia, which she described as an urgent issue which must be addressed.

Also present at the event was Youth, Sport and Art Minister Elvis Nkandu, British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley and other various stakeholders.

MEET BEAUTY THE ´GOAL GETTER´, KGS BENEFICIARY FROM LUFWANYAMA

By ANNIE ZULU

“An opportunity to education is the best gift that I have ever received”, say Beauty Chitengi  19, a beneficiary of the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) Programme from Lufwanyama District.

Beauty, recalls how she almost dropped out of school and her future looked uncertain in 2018, when she was in Grade 10.

Her mother who was divorced and could hardly provide food for Beauty and her two siblings, could no longer afford to pay for her school expenses.

“Life became so hard that sometimes we went go to bed without food and I was almost dropping out of school,  because there was no free education then and things were tough for my mother,” she said.

Beauty Chitengi

However, help came right on time for Beauty as she was considered for the Keeping Girls in School Programme and her mother put on the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

According to her, the KGS programme changed her life and made her realise that every dream is attainable with education.

“With the help I received on the programme, I successfully completed high school in 2020 and did well in my exams. I now can be whoever I want and my desire is to go to University and became a Clinical Officer, as I am passionate about saving lives and I don't think I would have all these aspirations without education,” she said.

She further implored Government to consider extending the KGS programme to tertiary education level, so that many girls can attain tertiary education.

Meanwhile, Community Development and Social Services Minister Honourable Doreen Mwamba has reassured that Government will continue  to prioritize girl`s education through various  programmes.

Ms. Mwamba noted that education is every child's right and that every girl child deserves the opportunity to receive one.

“Education enables economic independence for girls and also empowers them with the necessary knowledge to effectively oppose oppressive norms that perpetuate different forms of violence against them. The New Dawn Government is therefore committed to ensuring that girl child education is prioritized,” Ms. Mwamba said.

Keeping Girls in School (KGS) is a component of the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) project being implemented by Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and other line Ministries.

The World Bank-funded project promotes adolescent girls’ access to secondary education and supports women’s empowerment and livelihoods initiatives in Zambia.

AU TRAINS JOURNALISTS ON FGM AND CHILD MARRIAGE REPORTING IN AFRICA

 

By ANNIE ZULU in Nairobi Kenya

Over 30 Journalists from East and Southern Africa  gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for a three-day media training on ‘Sensitive Reporting on Harmful Practices.'

The training organized by the African Union (AU) Ending Harmful Practices Unit in collaboration with the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme, UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, and partners kicked off last week and brought together 34 media practitioners and scholars from ten countries including Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Somalia.

 

Journalists from 10 countries attended the training on sensitive reporting on FGM and Child Marriage

The event aimed to garner the support of media representatives and university journalism faculty members in leading media sector actions and reforms toward ethical, informed, balanced, human rights-focused and victim-sensitive reporting on harmful practices.

The journalists were drawn from AU member states currently implementing the African Union campaigns on ending Child marriage and eliminating female genital mutilation.  

Journalists engaged in the training will form a network of journalists reporting on FGM and child marriage in Africa. 

Despite critical progress being made in eliminating FGM, an estimated 55 million girls under the age of 15 in 28 African countries have experienced or are at risk of experiencing FGM.

Globally, one in every five girls is formally married or in an informal union, before reaching age 18. In developing countries, that number rises to 36 percent of girls married before age 18, and 10 percent of girls married before age 15. 

In his remarks to participants, UNFPA Kenya Deputy Representative Dr Ezizgeldi Hellenov noted that journalists have a role to play in raising awareness on sensitive social issues such as FGM and child marriage, while upholding the rights and dignity of survivors.

“The media is trusted to shape public discourse through balanced reporting, and must hold policy-makers and other actors accountable when it comes to creating a safer and more equal world for women and girls,” said Dr. Hellenov. 
 
In line with the African Union campaigns on the elimination of FGM  and child marriage, participants engaged in the training will form part of an Africa-wide network of Media practitioners reporting on harmful practices.

The network will facilitate coordinated and engaged media coverage while allowing members to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in human rights focussed reporting against Harmful practices that affect women and girls in Africa.

In addition, there will be an annual award and recognition event for the top three outstanding media practitioners reporting on harmful practices on the continent.

A second similar training programme is planned in the West and Central Africa region, covering ten countries, including Niger, Nigeria, Mauritania, Egypt, Chad, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia.

 

GEWEL PROJECT SUCCESS RATE ELATES MINISTER

By ANNIE ZULU

The Girls Education, Women Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project has made tremendous progress in alleviating poverty levels in Zambia since its inception, Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba has said.

Ms Mwamba noted that the key results for the project included the Supporting Women's Livelihood (SWL) component which has reached approximately 96, 368 women and the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) component with over 70, 514 beneficiary girls. 

The Minister also mentioned the Social Cash Transfer (SCT), as another key result area for the project with over 973, 323 beneficiaries. 

She was speaking when she accompanied World Bank Regional Vice President Dr. Victoria Kwakwa to meet some of the project's beneficiaries at Nampundwe Secondary School in Shibuyunji District. 

"As of 30th June 2022, which is the middle of the project, the budget burn down stood at 49.85%, this is despite the setbacks during the Covid 19 outbreak," Ms. Mwamba said.

 

Hon. Mwamba interacts with pupils at Nampundwe Secondary School in Shibuyunji District.

Speaking at the same event, General Education Minister Dr. Douglas Siakalima  thanked World Bank for partnering with Government in financing the project, stressing that the project has improved livelihoods for many Zambians, especially women and girls.

Meanwhile, Dr Kwakwa has assured the New Dawn Government of support from the World Bank on projects that are aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the livelihoods of Zambians. 

She also commended Government for meeting majority of the targets of the GEWEL project.

"We recognize the efforts by the New Dawn Government in alleviating poverty and promoting gender equality, as World Bank we support such efforts," Dr. Kwakwa said. 

And when giving a vote of thanks, a parent Margaret Tembo testified that the GEWEL project has changed the lives of women and girls in Shibuyunji. 

"Through the project, women are able to do business and feed their families. Girls are being supported and encouraged to be in school," she said. 

The GEWEL project is a Cash Plus Social Protection programme that support the poorest families in Zambia with cash transfers which empowers them to reduce their poverty levels over the longer term through complementary interventions of Supporting Women's Livelihoods (SWL) and Keeping Girls in School (KGS) layered over the same households.

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERVENES TO CHANGE LIFE OF 96 YEAR OLD WOMAN

 By ANNIE ZULU

A 96 year old blind woman of Makunka area in Livingstone, who has been living in a ramshackle, has been identified by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, in order to support her.

This is in an effort to put Ms Maria Syampwili Mukasibukandu on the social cash transfer programme in the shortest period of time.

Officers from the Ministry located the old lady who also has a problem with hearing and in need of basic needs such as blankets, clothes, food and proper shelter, to see how her situation can be changed.

Ms Mukasibukandu’s situation has now worsened and requires that she benefits from the programme, so that she can have access to a stable monthly income to support her.

The Ministry officers who visited her agreed with her granddaughter whose husband is also sick, to provide immediate needs such as shelter, food, and other items in the interim as they wait for her to be included on the programme.

Meanwhile, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms Doreen Mwamba who was in touch with the officers, has pledged to support all the efforts to take care of the woman, considering that she has suffered a lot and is advanced in age.

Ms Mwamba further said the New Dawn government will prioritize issues to do with vulnerable people, hence the continued call to identify as many people as possible especially the old people in order for them to be included on many social protection programmes.

ABN'S TV JOURNALIST, IDAH BANDA HONOURED

By ANNIE ZULU

Some journalists and other stakeholders have honoured ABN TV's Idah Banda Musakanya for her news reports that highlight challenges that people face in the communities.

The ABN TV Journalist has been known for a while to cover several human interest stories that have seen people in need get assistance with the most recent one involving a 56 year old man who has been taking care of his differently abled teenage daughter's menstrual hygiene.

And speaking on behalf the group, Itezhi-Tezhi Member of Parliament, Hon. Twaambo Mutinta encouraged other journalists to cover  human interest stories as their importance can never be overemphasised.

He said such stories are important as they bring people closer to real issues and help in identifying ways of solving problems that exist in the communities.

He also encouraged Ms Musakanya not to relent in her effort as her work is noticed together with the impact that they make.

"Keep on doing your level best, you might think that what you do is not noticed but it is and I hope that more journalists can take up human interest stories like you do." He said.

GOVERNMENT COMMITED TO ELIMINATE HARMFUL PRACTICES ON CHILDREN

By ANNIE ZULU

Government is committed to eliminating all harmful practices against children in Zambia, Acting Community Development and Social Services Minister Chushi Kasanda has said.

In a speech read on her behalf by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs Beatrice Chilufya Darko at the commemoration of the Day of The African Child in Lusaka, Ms Kasanda noted that children were the country’s future and as such, must be protected.

Ms Kasanda said Government will therefore, endeavor to mobilize and enhance partnerships with its stakeholders to work towards ending harmful practices that stands in the rights of children.

She noted that this year's commemoration whose theme is “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practices Since 2013”, accords Zambia an opportunity to reflect on its commitment towards children under the African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

“The commemoration of the Day of an African Child accords us an opportunity, each year to reflect on how we have performed collectively in implementing interventions aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing and development of our Zambian children,” Ms Kasanda said.

At the same event, the simplified version of the African Charter on The Rights of Children and the research report on Gender, Climate Change and Education were launched by Plan International.

The Minister said Government will ensure that the document is made accessible to all children in Zambia so as to enable them learn about their rights and responsibilities.

She also called for child-led climate-adaption initiatives, so as to promote their participation in decision-making.

Meanwhile, Plan International acknowledged Government’s towards eliminating harmful practices affecting children.

In a speech read on his behalf by Plan International Influencing Specialist Annely Imasiku, Country Director James Pimundu said Zambia is making strides in ensuring the wellbeing of children in Zambia.

Mr Pimundu noted that this has been evidenced by various documents that Government is putting in place such as the 2021-2025 National Prevention and Response Plan on Ending Violence against Children, Strategy on ending Child Marriage and the Children’s Code Bill among other.

And In giving a vote of thanks, Youth Activist Nelly Ndhlovu thanked Government and its stakeholders for their efforts in creating a safe environment for children to grow and realize their potential.

Zambian women cashing in on briquettes while tackling climate change

 By Annie Zulu

Lusaka

In the backyard of a small brown-bricked unfinished structure in the Kashima area of Mufumbwe, a rural district in North-Western Province, Zambia, is a group of women with different colourful Chitenges (wrappers) tied around their waists.

Some are bending, while others are seated on a small bench, with their hands rigorously making dough out of some black solid mass.

Their laboured breathing, contagious laughter, snatches of conversations, and hasty movements can be heard from a distance as they do their work.

“This is a mixture of burnt and ground agricultural wastes such as maize cobs, groundnut shells, cassava powder and water. We are making charcoal briquettes for sale, which is used as fuel for cooking,” says Sarah Mukanda, the group’s leader.

Chiseke Women Group Leader-Sarah Mukanda

The group, which consists of 18 members meet four times a week at the same spot to make briquettes.  They start their day as early as 8 am and make over 15 tonnes of briquettes in a day.

The briquettes are packed in 20 Kilogrammes bags and sold at K60 ($3.50) per bag.  When business is good, the group makes up to K1, 000 which is equivalent to $59 weekly.

Half of the profit is shared among group members to help them buy basic needs for their households, while the other half goes to the group’s savings account of which the money is later shared after 12 months.

According to Sarah, similar life experiences and challenges brought the women together and they decided to form a corporative group called `Chiseke’ a Zambian-Lunda language word which means ‘Happiness’.

She tells this reporter  that the group has since its inception in 2019 come up with different business initiatives to earn a decent living and producing briquettes was one of their major activities.

Chiseke women preparing briquettes

Among group members are survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), widows, single mothers and guardians of orphans and vulnerable children.

“We realised we were facing almost the same challenge, so we decided to form a group to support each other. Briquette making is one of the many things we do, we were privileged to have received training on how to make briquettes and a machine from the National Technology and Business Centre (NTBC),” she said.

She adds that making briquettes have also given the women a sense of self-worth and financial security, as they enjoy a ready market because the cost of their briquettes is much lower compared to other sources of energy.

“We no longer just sit back and ask for money from our husband, which is one of the major causes of GBV. We are also now contributing to the well-being of our families because we can make money and make savings from the briquette business. People in the community buy our products, as well as those from nearby districts,” she said.

National Technology and Business Centre (NTBC) Chief Executive Officer Dr Chitundu Kasase, whose agency is supporting the women group with capacity building, branding and marketing confirmed in a press query that the group was earning an income from the product.

“Initial market linkages were conducted within Mufumbwe and Solwezi districts respectively.  With these efforts, Trident Foundation (Kalumbila Mine) procured all the available stock by end of the first quarter of 2021,” Dr Kasase said.

The group is not only helping the women find financial stability, but is also providing them with social support, as they share problems and console each other in times of difficulty whenever they meet to make briquettes.

One of the group members, Florence Kaumba recalls how the group stood by her when she was physically abused by her husband.

“I was severely beaten by my husband a few months ago, a few members of the women group, led by our leader confronted my husband and warned him.”

“Since then, my husband has never laid his hands on me again, the women told him that GBV is a very serious offence and that if he beat me again, they will report him to the police and he will be jailed,” Florence said.

Another member, Wana Njamba said the briquette business is also helping the women to protect the environment, as it is discouraging the cutting down of trees for charcoal and firewood in the area and promoting clean methods of cooking.

Wana notes that before she learnt how to make briquettes, she used firewood and charcoal to cook for her family, which was causing harm not only to her health but also to the environment.

“I also take some of the briquettes we make with me home. I no longer inhale the smoke that caused me to cough, I can now cook without worrying. The briquettes also help us to protect our environment so that people do not cut down trees for charcoal,” she said.

Briquettes making process 

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an organisation working with the Forestry Department to ensure that Zambia`s forests are protected and sustainably managed, the country has the highest deforestation rate in Africa and is ranked 5th highest globally. This is because 90 per cent of Zambia’s population is dependent on charcoal and firewood for cooking.

Climate Change Activist Mwelwa Chileshe stresses that supporting women-led initiatives such as briquette making can help reduce deforestation in Zambia.

“Women are the first to respond to managing the environmental capital that surrounds them. From collecting water for cooking and cleaning, using the land for livestock, foraging for food in rivers and reefs, and collecting firewood. If such initiatives are fully supported, we can preserve trees from being cut. Trees help to protect soil from erosion,” she says.

At the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (CoP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2021, bold commitments by countries to paving the way for gender-responsive climate response and making women more ‘resilient’ to the precarious impact of the crisis was a matter of the moment.

And earlier this year in March, during a UN Commission on the Status of Women 66th session meeting, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Anderson also emphasised the need to put women at the heart of climate and environmental decisions making.

“We have had enough of male-dominated solutions. Enduring a just transition to a green, sustainable future requires gender-responsive approaches to reorienting finance flows and economic models and investing in resilience and capacity-building,” Ms Anderson said.

The Zambian Government recognizes this call for gender-responsive approaches to addressing climate change by nations.

In an exclusive interview, Green Economy and Environment Minister Engineer Collins Nzovu said Government is prioritizing women-led initiatives that are aimed at mitigating climate change.

The Minister noted that just like in other countries in the world, climate change in Zambia affects the most vulnerable sectors of society, which are mainly women.

He said Government has partnered with various stakeholders to support climate change-related initiatives by women.

“We have so many plans in place and supporting women initiatives is something that we are actively pursuing as Government. For your information, we have partnered with USAID and other partners to support the production of briquettes.

“So any efforts, particularly in this direction, are very welcome and as Government, we will support the women even in a bigger way so that they can increase production of the briquettes because such initiatives speak directly to reducing deforestation in the country,” Engineer Nzovu said.

Hopefully, other countries will emulate Zambia in supporting women lead initiatives that support climate resilience.

This is also in line with one of the African Green Stimulus Programme’s key elements- Enhancing Climate Action which calls on countries to support the implementation of Climate Change programmes.

Women have a critical role to play in addressing climate change, by being the engine for climate initiatives and their engagement in every process of proffering solutions to climate change can never be over emphasized.

Supporting women’s climate change initiatives such as making briquettes by women in Mufumbwe District, is key to working towards more gender-responsive climate solutions that address structural inequalities, while also pursuing the transition to a greener economy.

This article is part of  African Women in Media (AWiM)/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)- Africa Environmental Journalism.

CHILDREN'S CODE BILL TO BE TABLED IN NEXT SITTING OF PARLIAMENT, SAYS MINISTE

By ANNIE ZULU

Community and Social Services Minister  Honourable Doreen Mwamba has assured that the Children's Code Bill will be tabled in the next sitting of Parliament.

Ms Mwamba said Government is committed to the internal legislation process focusing on the enactment of the Bill.

She said the Bill is important, as it will ensure that Zambia has a protective environment for every child.

The Minister said this when she officiated at the launch of the Child Fund Zambia 2022-2026 Country Strategic Plan in Lusaka.

"If not for some delays by stakeholders with submissions, the Bill would have been tabled in Parliament by now, but I can assure you that it will be brought to Parliament in the next sitting this year," Ms Mwamba said.

Community and Social Services Minister   Doreen Mwamba

She also indicated that Government is currently reviewing the National Social Protection Policy of 2014 which is aimed at securing the lives of all vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities.

"This demonstrates political will and commitment from the Government in ensuring that all families are protected and able to provide for their children, she said.

And Ms Mwamba has applauded Child Fund Zambia for its works around children issues in the country.

She said the launch of the strategic plan was an indicator of the organization's commitment to improving the welfare of children in Zambia.

She noted that there are a lot of challenges affecting children in Zambia, which could can not be addressed by Government alone.

"For this reason, Government will endeavour to involve the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure the well being and protection of children through public private partnerships," she said.

Meanwhile Child Fund Country Director Simba Machingaidze said through the strategic plan, the organization will raise 40 Million US dollars to implement programs in the area of health, education, skills and safety of over 1.2 million children, youth and their families.

Mr Machingaidze also indicated that the organization will further focus on increasing the resilience of vulnerable households, children and youth to the negative effects of disaster and climate change.

At the same event, a former sponsored child by Child Fund Zambia Martin Ngombe who is now a University graduate thanked the organization for making his dream of acquiring education come true.

"Dreams do come true, I was just a little boy eh was uncertain about the future, because of the environment I grew up in, but Child Fund came in and supported me. I am now a graduate of Economics and Demography from the University of Zambia," he said.

 

CIRCUMSTANTIAL CHILDREN MATTERS, SAYS PS

 

By ANNIE ZULU

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Beatrice Chilufya Darko has assured that Government will ensure that the welfare and protection of circumstantial children is prioritized.

Ms. Darko said Government has put in place a guidance document to help in managing cases for circumstantial children in the Zambia.

The Permanent Secretary said this when a delegation from Mother of Millions Foundation, who are working on improving the welfare of incarcerated women and circumstantial children paid a courtesy call on her.

“Circumstantial children are a unique set of vulnerable children and as such this Ministry has keen interest in their welfare. We have the National Child Policy and these children are covered in that policy under the provision of children in need, we will ensure that this policy is implemented,” Ms Darko said.

And Mother of Millions Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Faith Kalungia expressed gratitude that Government was looking into the welfare of circumstantial children.

Ms Kalungia highlighted some of the challenges that circumstantial children were facing such as lack of access to education and health services among others.

“These children live like prisoners, yet their parents are the ones who are prisoners. They are so vulnerable and it is really a sad sight, they do not have access to some of the basic needs like other children,” she said.