Minister bemoans rise in GBV

THERE is an increase in the number of reported cases of gender based violence (GBV) recently in which women are the main perpetrators, Minister of Gender Victoria Kalima has disclosed.

Ms Kalima said Government is concerned about the high numbers of GBV cases being reported around the country as they are violation of human rights particular on women and girls.

Speaking at the launch of the 2017, 16 days of activism against GBV under the theme “Leave no one behind end gender based violence now” in Lusaka on Saturday, Ms Kalima said the theme is well linked to the world development agenda as enshrined in the sustainable development goals which call for achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls among others.

She said GBV hinders the victims from fully participating in the political and socioeconomic life of the country, therefore its occurrence must be reduced significantly in communities or possibly eradicated. “Information obtained from police victim support unit shows that cases of GBV have continued to rise over the years as shown by the reports to the police.

“In 2011, 11,914 GBV cases were reported countrywide, 2014, 15, 153, 2016 18, 540 and in the second quarter of 2017 the cases were more than 10, 000,”said Ms Kalima.

And Ms Kalima is glad that a lot of sensitization on GBV has been done in urban areas, therefore there is need to focus on increasing awareness in rural areas on the evils of GBV and negative impact on development.

Ms Kalima said Government is now paying much attention to ending the scourge of early and forced child marriages in rural communities where it was comparatively higher compared to urban.

Meanwhile NGOCC Board Chairperson Sara Longwe said during 16 days of activism against GBV, Zambians are reminded to take actions, now and throughout the year to eliminate violence against women and girls in all its forms.

Ms Longwe has called for the need to critically review the 2011Anti-GBV Act enacted and to reconcile with other pieces of legislation since its full implementation is dependent on legislation such as the penal code and the criminal procedure. She said NGOCC is deeply concerned at the non –operationalization of the gender equity and equality Act 2015. “We reiterate the need for Government to allocate sufficient resources for full implementation of the Anti-GBV Act,’ said Ms Longwe.

And united Nation resident Coordinator in Zambia Ms Noala Skinner said this year’s message is about inclusivity which is central to the UN SDGs and the recent launch of 7th national development plan, therefore the is an urgent call to come together to end GBV.