Yesterday, Her Excellency The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia Mrs Mutinta Hichilema hosted a conference on ending child marriage at the Intercontinental Hotel, attended by esteemed guests including Royale Highnesses The Queens from 10 Provinces , Religious Leaders, Honarable Cabinet Ministers, PS Gender Division Mainga Kabika , UN representatives, NGOCC Chairperson and various stakeholders.
The conference focused on the need for collective action to eradicate child marriage, rape cases and other forms of violence against children.
Speaking at the event, Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika stated that Government has implemented various interventions to combat child marriage and Gender Based Violence (GBV). These initiatives include referral pathways, cultural resetting programs, and safe spaces with Traditional leaders also making a positive impact by establishing Village Led One Stop Centres.
“Madam First Lady, Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, despite Government’s efforts and all manner of investments from Stake holders, its Shocking that we still have people out their primitively believing that they can cure diseases or get rich by raping children.
We have continued receiving high numbers of weird reports of Fathers raping and sodomising their own biological daughters and sons. This Criminal Gross misconduct is barbaric and therefore perpetrators must be given the highest form of punishment available under the law of this land.” Ms Kabika emphasized.
Ms. Kabika called upon institutions, judges and law enforcers to join hands with the government in fighting against the injustices with the event concluding on the need for a commitment to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders and other key stakeholders to end the scourge.
ENDS
*GD MEDIA *
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