Women and Youth deserve land and resources, AAZ’s Jovina Nawenzake prods Zambian Government
Women and Youth deserve land and resources, AAZ’s Jovina Nawenzake prods Zambian Government
By Simon Banda and Derrick Sinjela
On the eve of Zambia’s 59th Independence anniversary that falls tomorrow Tuesday, 24th October 2023, ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) Interim Country Director (ICD) Ms. Jovina Nawenzake describes the theme: “Accelerating National Development Through Equitable Disbursement of Resources”, as resonating with the current economic struggles confronting women and youths.
Ms. Nawenzake says Zambians can only proudly celebrate their liberty from colonialism if most of the people especially women have access to land which in return can help this majority population build a decent future by way of engaging in economic activities.
Ms. Nawenzake reiterated that sovereignty of any nation is anchored on inclusive participation of the marginalized grouping such as women and youth.
“Women and youth have remained poor and mostly hit by the rise in the cost of living. We call on the Government to reflect on the need to increase women participation in the decision making especially at parliamentary level. The Government must equally facilitate the easy process to acquisition of Land and other capital resources that will allow women have a meaningful stake in decision making and income stability. It is until that day of economic empowerment that women can stand and proclaim that they are indeed “proud and free”, acknowledged Ms. Nawenzake.
Making reference to 59 years of political independence, Ms. Nawenzake is worried that Zambia still has less than 20 percent of women and youth owning land.
“This directly gives a reflection that these groupings are still marginalized and not economically empowered.
We also call on every Zambian especially the Government to take a deep reflection on this important day. It is the responsibility of the Government to create an enabling environment for the enjoyment of people’s liberties and ensure equality in social economic development,” Ms. Nawenzake cried foul.
On the current rise in the cost of living, Ms. Nawenzake equally reminded Zambians to get together and find tangible solutions.
“The high cost of living if not managed well could lead to increased poverty for the marginalized in society such as women and the young people. Let this 59th Independence be a reflection moment to ponder for greater ideas together,”prayed Ms. Nawenzake.
Noting that ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) is part of ActionAid International, Ms. Nawenzake tagged overs as a global movement of people working together to entrench human rights and defeat poverty for all.
ActionAid International works in Africa, Asia, Europe and America to eliminate poverty, inequalities and injustices that cause it.
