Mwanakatwe urges more women in development

THERE is need for more women participation in the country’s affairs to spur economic development, Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe has said.

Ms Mwanakatwe said President Edgar Lungu had shown commitment to women inclusion and participation in national governance by appointing more women in key and influential government positions.

She said if the Zambian economy was to record a success story, more women should take a leading role in both policy making as well as providing advice to authorities when need arises.

Ms Mwanakatwe noted that to empower girls and women in the country, Government this year had enhanced the programme of girls’ retention in schools with an allocation of 75 point five million under the Ministry of General Education.

The minister also disclosed that Government would this year start the budget consultations early to ensure wider participation and has challenged women organisations to take an active role.

And Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Sara Longwe said the inclusion of more women in influential positions was a key milestone in the quest to fight corruption and misuse of public funds.

Ms Longwe thanked President Lungu for considering the plight of women and making them sit in key government portfolios.