‘GBV fight needs combined efforts’

THE fight against gender based violence (GBV) should not be left to the Government alone but needs the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders working with law enforcement agencies, says Youth Aid chairperson Kachenga Chungu.

Mr Chungu said it was regrettable that cases of gender based violence had continued to increase rapidly from January 2016 to October 2017.

He said it was important for all Zambians to participate and take a stand against gender based violence if the scourge was to be reduced significantly.

Mr Chungu has urged nongovernmental organisations and civil society organisations to take a leading role to sensitise the community about the ills of gender based violence.

He said Youth Aid joins the world in commemorating the 2017, 16 Days of Activism against GBV whose theme is “Leave no one behind: End gender based violence now”.

‘‘The fight against GBV cannot be left to the Government alone and it should be noted that non-governmental organisations should work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to put to rest these cases of GBV and stamp out the scourge,’’ he said.

He implored the Ministry of Gender to step up their efforts and closely work with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure GBV cases were phased out.

The non-governmental organisation has applauded the police for their efforts towards the fight against gender based violence.

Mr Chungu warned that all perpetrators of GBV would be met by the full force of the law and act as a deterrent to would be offenders.

The 16 Days of Activism against GBV, is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, the Human Rights Day. It is a time to direct world attention to the problem of GBV.