Women can make a change, says ZNWL
By ANNIE ZULU WOMEN can make a change and contribute to economic growth if empowered, Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) chairperson Beauty Katebe has said.
Ms Katebe noted that women were agents of change and played a vital role in the economic development of any country.
Speaking to the Daily Nation, Ms Katebe said women had the ability to contribute to the well-being of the nation if they were empowered.
“Women can help grow the economy if they are empowered to improve on their businesses because they are agents of change and hardworking,” Ms Katebe said.
She commended Government's efforts through the Minister of Gender to ensure that women were empowered.
She recalled that government had put in place measures to promote gender equality and empower women. “What the ministry is doing is very recommendable, it’s so inspiring to see that Government has realised the importance of women in national development. They have put in place measures which is a good thing.”
Ms Katebe called on other relevant bodies and organisations to get on board and help the government in empowering women. She noted that women empowerment was a responsibility of everyone and should not just be left for the government.
“I would love to see other organisations getting on board and help women, let us not just leave it for the government,” she said.
Ms Katebe also encouraged women to venture into business and contribute to the country's economy, unlike just being housewives and waiting for their husbands to provide for them. She said gone were days when women were dependent on their spouses.
“Its old fashioned for a woman to depend on a man that used to happen in olden day. Women need to step up and take the lead in business,” she said.
She observed that women were the key drivers of any country's economy. She said in big economies like China, women were in the forefront and taking the lead in businesses.
“In big economies like China, it’s got most business women and they are contributing to China's economy. Why can't it be the same in Zambia," she wondered.
Ms Katebe further urged women to network and encourage one another.
She added that in most cases, women never support and appreciate each other and that this had contributed to women being second class citizens.
“We are our own enemies within ourselves; there are times when women pull each other down instead of building each other. We have women in the highest posts, let’s salute and celebrate them,” Ms Katebe added.