Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri blames poverty for Increased Gender Based Violence in Zambia

By Luswepo Mutepuka

GENDER Minister Elizabeth Phiri has reiterated that poverty is the many contributor to increased Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in Zambia.

A concerned Ms., Phiri has noted with regret that GBV Survivors are more often than not found in households with low incomes.

In an apprent reference to high poverty, high income inequality and high unemployment, a worried Ms. Phiri, who is Patriotic Front (PF) Kanyama Member of Parliament (MP),; they are less quarrels in families where couples earn income and thus contribute money at domestic level.

The Gender Ministry is saddened that in households with only one bread winner, the other person takes advantage of the one without income, regardless of the GBV’s Survivors gender.

Ms. Phiri told this _*Kwilanzi News Zambia*_ author that the Ministry of Gender is working with local and international cooperating partners in empowering Gender Based Violence (GBV) Survivors.

Ms., Phiri encouraged women and men to leave their violent spouses stressing that there is no need to be in an abusive relationship just for a slice of bread or shelter.

Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri Gracing an NGOCC meeting in Zambia