Mataka's appointment is a testimony of women in development process

Mataka's appointment is a testimony of women in development process -
By Sandra Lombe
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]

WOMEN for Change (WfC) executive director Emily Sikazwe has said the appointment of Elizabeth Mataka as United Nations HIV/AIDS Special Envoy for Africa is a testimony of women in the development process.

And the Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has said it is optimistic that Mataka's appointment will lead to increased and effective service for Africa and Zambia.

Sikazwe yesterday said Mataka had made Zambians proud.
"She has been at the heart of the fight against HIV/AIDS. She has made us proud Zambian women to represent us," Sikazwe said.
And NGOCC chairperson Marian Munyinda said Mataka's appointment was a clear indication of her capacity and worth in the fight against the pandemic.

"The women's movement is therefore hopeful that Mrs Mataka's appointment will lead to increased and effective service for Africa and Zambia as a whole," she said.

"Recently Mrs Mataka was elected vice- chairperson of the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, the series of her appointments demonstrates the fact that there is a lot of potential in women if only they are given the opportunity."

Munyinda said Mataka's appointment was a plus for people living with HIV/AIDS especially women and children.
She said the NGOCC was delighted that United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was committed to affirmative action for women.

She maintained that no meaningful development would take place without full participation of women in decision-making and developmental processes.

"In this view, we call upon our Republican President Levy Mwanawasa to emulate this effort and commitment by appointing more women to decision-making positions so that the visibility of women is maintained," said Munyinda.