Maravi

KK has recharged me, says Winnie

KK has recharged me, says Winnie
By Inonge Noyoo
Monday March 10, 2008 [03:00]

Meeting Dr Kenneth Kaunda has re-charged me, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has said. Speaking when she officiated at the International Women’s Day dinner organised by the Press Freedom Committee of The Post, where Mama Betty Kaunda was honoured with the Julia Chikamoneka Award, Winnie said Zambia would always be dear to South Africa for its sacrifices.

"I was deeply touched when I landed here. The emotions of years and years flooded my heart and the nostalgia I felt at that moment, overwhelming memories and memories; some painful, emotive, affectionate and some wonderful. All these conflicting memories reminded me of what we share," Winnie said.

"It was all of you in the form of parents, grandparents and above all your democratic state at the time no matter what definition you could give it at that time, it was simply comrade Kenneth Kaunda. Meeting comrade Kenneth Kaunda re-charged the old memories in me and it was extremely inspiring."

And Winnie observed that women were still treated as inferior. She expressed sadness at the high number of women who were victims of domestic violence, which often resulted in death.

"In South Africa, we may hold a record of violence against women with a high increase of serial killers who murder women. One horrible case is of a serial killer who murdered 72 women a Sithole, who is now serving life imprisonment," Winnie said.

She suggested that each country in Africa should organize a million-women march as a way of protesting against gender violence.

"Maybe the solution lies with us women, why don't we organize a million women march in each country to march against violence. If America and the women of other countries did it, why can't we? These men of Africa, sisters in America will support us. Think about it women, talk, shout, South Africa is listening, the world is listening," she said.

Winnie said there was need to start celebrating women's day concretely and to move away from speeches and replace them with action. She pledged her support to any campaign of any form that the Zambian women would take up in their quest for political and economic emancipation.

"I will be there to support each and every one of your campaign should you decided to do so. Am available to crisscross the world on your behalf. Let us do something in this century because it is a woman's century," said Winnie.

And speaking at the same occasion, first lady Maureen Mwanawasa said this year's theme for International Women Day celebrations was a vital link to the campaign to end violence against women in all its forms.

She said Women's Day should be an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality peace and development. Maureen said Women's Day should be an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for future meaningful change. She said women should be allowed to play an increased role in the leadership and decision-making bodies in society.

She said women could only fulfil a significant role in development if they were empowered to achieve their full potential.

Maureen implored the government and the private sector to ensure that the financing of gender agenda was responsive to the needs of women at all levels of society. She said the financial infrastructure in Zambia must respond to reality by being cheaper than it was now if women were to 'take off' quickly because women should not be slaves to borrowing.

She urged the government and the financing infrastructure to implement effective gender based budgeting that would also cater for the rural women.

She said it was imperative that rural women also benefited from the country's natural resources such as copper, forests and water.

Maureen urged the men to join hand with women in reconstructing the gender architecture, in concluding the unfinished human rights revolution and in combining grassroots realism, social responsibility and global leadership.

And the speaking after she received the Julia Chikamoneka award, Mama Betty Kaunda said the award was a symbol of the role that women in Zambia and the rest of Africa played during the fight for independence. She said she felt fortunate that she was receiving the award.

Mama Betty said she was glad that the award was named after Mama Chikamoneka as she was a courageous and selfless leader during the struggle for independence. She said she believed that Mama Chikamoneka's contribution to the struggle for freedom was crucial to the attainment of the freedom Zambia was enjoying today.

"I would like to say how fortunate I feel to be recipient of this award which I have the honor to accept with a deep sense of appreciation and humility in the name of so many women who participated in the struggle of independence," she said. "I am truly humbled by this gesture for I know that there are many others who are worthy of this honor."

And Mama Betty thanked Winnie for the sacrifice she made for her country during the liberation struggle.

"We thank you for the sacrifice you made so that the people of your country and their succeeding generations can live together in harmony in a non racial country. We thank you for your leadership, courage and continuing crusade for the rights of the less privileged in society," said Mama Betty.

Speaking after his wife was presented with the award, Dr Kaunda said he was immensely delighted that Mama Betty was being honoured for her contribution to the independence of Zambia. He said the award symbolised humanity's emerging recognition of the role of women in society.

Dr Kaunda recounted the suffering Mama Betty endured during the liberation struggle when he was sent to prison by the colonial regime for political activism. He said every time he was sent to prison, Mama Betty had to look after the family. Dr Kaunda said Mama Betty stood out courageously to support Zambia's freedom struggle.

He said Mama Betty was there not only for the Kaunda family but also for the larger family of the people of Zambia.


"The International Women's Day is a day on which the countries and the peoples of the world join hands in an amazing solidarity to promote the rights of women.

Let this occasion serve to remind us that we need to do more in order to promote the highest level of the rights of women. Indeed, to level the playing field in all areas of human endeavor.

In my humble view, that is a mark of enlightment and human development. Let us join hands as people of our one world towards the realization of this worthy objective," Dr Kaunda said.

"My family wishes to thank the Press Freedom Committee of The Post for inviting a dear comrade and a distinguished freedom fighter from South Africa to be with us tonight.

She is a person for whom we have the greatest respect and admiration. For many years during the struggle for change in South Africa, she courageously fought against the abominable system of apartheid. Her voice was heard loud and clear throughout the world calling for an end to apartheid and the release of all political prisoners," he said.

Dr Kaunda described Winnie as a fearless campaigner for human dignity, liberty and freedom.

"Hers was the voice of reason which, to all intents and purposes, kept hope alive of millions of people in South Africa that change was attainable" he said.

And Dr Kaunda, in recognizing the presence of Maureen, described her as a relentless campaigner for social justice and an advocate for the attainment of a higher standard of living among the weak and the disadvantaged in society.

"I wish in this regard to convey our sincere gratitude to her for her selfless attitude and concern for God's children in need," he said.

Dr Kaunda said Maureen's contribution towards poverty alleviation was most commendable.

He also said the period of colonialism was a difficult one as the people of Zambia were being segregated on the basis of race. He said the indignities that were daily being visited upon black people were degrading to say the least.

Dr Kaunda said during the liberation struggle, many women such as Mama Julia Chikamoneka were instrumental in spearheading the campaign for change.

"These women were determined and fearless. Unfortunately their role has not been fully recognized and documented," he said.

And Winniew said Africa needed to show its colonisers what it is worthy.

Speaking at State House when she paid a courtesy call on Maureen on Saturday afternoon, Winnie said it was sad that the African continent was bleeding and Africans did not realise that the power to end poverty lay in them.

She discouraged African governments against running to G8 countries to save the continent but instead exploit its talents. Winnie said women were the majority unexploited and were capable of bringing about the required and most needed change in Africa. She said the answer to Africa's problems lay in women.

Winnie said it was only when the potential in Africans was realised that they could break free from the oppression brought about by the western 'rich boys' countries.

Labels: KENNETH KAUNDA, WINNIE MANDELA, WOMEN

posted by MrK @ 3:40 AM