Maravi

‘Gender discrimination should not be tolerated’

‘Gender discrimination should not be tolerated’
By Moses Kuwema
Mon 14 Dec. 2009, 04:00 CAT

CHONGWE district commissioner Japhen Mwakalombwe has said gender discrimination should not be tolerated in the defence force.

During the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Makeni Garrison annual ball on Friday, Mwakalombwe said women should be given equal opportunities to prove themselves in all areas instead of being confined to secretarial and office duties. Mwakalombwe said sexual harassment should also be avoided at all costs.

“I urge you to live your social lives in a disciplined manner as the country cannot afford to lose you. Guard your lives jealously and exercise the necessary preventive measures of sticking to one faithful partner,” he said.

Mwakalombwe commended the ZNS for the commitment and effort that they make to contribute to national food security as well as in the areas of defence and security, youth skills training and land development.

He implored ZNS to increase productivity in order to contribute significantly to the national food basket as this would enable the country avert hunger.

And Makeni Garrison commander Lt Col Rashid Mbewe said the Garrison had been tailoring uniforms for both the defence and security wings as well as garments for the public that express interest in their products.

Lt Col Mbewe said their aim was to completely take over the tailoring of uniforms for defence and security wings instead of having them tailored abroad.

“This is a measure to cut down on expenditure of the meager government resources as our pricing is reasonable…the machine shop has continued with its fabrication of building materials, hammer mills, bunk beds, water tank stands and other general machinery works,” Lt Col Mbewe said.

Lt Col Mbewe also disclosed that ZNS Makeni Garrison was involved in a number of projects which included the housing project where they were constructing houses for Lusaka-based ZNS personnel.

He said so far the unit had completed three by four two bed roomed flats, which had since been occupied, while another block was still under construction.
Lt Col Mbewe said the other project was the construction of a mini hospital at the ZNS Makeni housing complex which was under construction.

Labels: JAPHEN MWAKALOMBWE, WOMEN, ZNS

posted by MrK @ 5:45 PM