PR: GBV Cases increase in Zambia, CARE Calls for More support to Combat the Scourge

 

Reported Cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) are increasing in Zambia. According to Zambia Police Third Quarter of 2022 GBV Report, there has been over a 100% (8,790) increase in the GBV cases reported in the third quarter of 2022 as compared to 4,042 cases reported during the same period in 2021. Of the reported cases 76% (6,683) were women and girls.

 

Chikwe Mbweeda, CARE Zambia Country Director said, “The increased number of GBV cases reported can be attributed to people becoming more aware of GBV and gaining confidence in the reporting systems on one hand; and the other, food insecurity which has been worsened by job losses, high levels of unemployment, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change effects which have left people, especially women and girls vulnerable”. 

 

Speaking during the launch of the 16 days of activism on November 25, 2022, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba,
Minister of Labor and Social Security said, violence against women and girls is a great violation of their rights and that it has both immediate and long-term consequences in relation to their physical, sexual, and mental well-being. 

 

“Tackling Gender-Based Violence effectively will contribute to human and social development as stated in the 8th National Development Plan, particularly development outcome number 2 on improving the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism,” Hon. Brenda Tambatamba said 

 

Speaking after the launch of the 16 days of activism, Ms. Mbweeda said that CARE Zambia is working towards a Zambia which is free from violence by 2030. This means there should be more commitment to work that addresses the root causes of gender-based inequalities through the transformation of restrictive legal, social-cultural, religious, and political norms and structures to empower women and girls as they become more assertive to make choices that affect their lives.

 

She further extended gratitude to the government of Zambia for creating an inclusive environment for partners as tackling this vice requires concerted efforts of all stakeholders including men and boys as change agents.

 

Government is committed to working with the church, traditional leaders, non-governmental organizations, and cooperating partners to tackle the vice,” Hon. Brenda said.

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