Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango takes part in the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
LUSAKA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue.
Held under the theme, "Investing in Women and Girls: Accelerate Progress," the event saw women in different parts of the country converging to commemorate the day. Hichilema attended the main event held in the southern city of Livingstone while Vice President Mutale Nalumango graced the event in Lusaka, the country's capital.
In his remarks, Hichilema said investing in women is a strategic decision as it can accelerate development in families and communities.
The government understands the value of investing in women and is doing everything possible to ensure that women are empowered to play a vital role in various sectors of the economy, said the president. He expressed happiness that more women in Zambia are holding key positions in various government institutions.
The Zambian president, however, said while progress has been made in advancing women's empowerment in the country, a lot more needs to be done to improve the welfare of women.
According to him, the commemoration of the day is important as it provides an opportunity to recognize the role played by women and cherish their commitment.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia Beatrice Mutali said the theme for this year's commemoration is a reminder that investing in women is vital for achieving gender equality. She commended the Zambian government for its efforts in advancing the empowerment of women as seen in various policy pronouncements and legislations put in place.
She added that the UN will continue to support the Zambian government in advancing women's empowerment in the country through various programs.
Meanwhile, Nalumango expressed sadness that economic inequalities still exist in the country despite progress made in ensuring women's empowerment. She said the theme of this year's commemoration focuses on the cardinal role that investing in women and girls plays in promoting national development. ■
Zambian women take part in the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambian children take part in the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambian children take part in the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambian women dance during the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambian people take part in the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambian women dance during the International Women's Day celebration in Lusaka, Zambia, March 8, 2024. Zambia on Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying investing in women is a moral obligation as well as a human rights issue. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
