Maravi

Women are heroines, says Inonge

Women are heroines, says Inonge
By Abigail Sitenge and Selina Nyirenda
Mon 14 May 2012, 11:00 CAT

GENDER minister Inonge Wina says women are heroes because of the many tasks they perform in society. And veteran politician and freedom fighter Mama Chibesa Kankasa has urged women to actively participate in the discussions of the draft constitution.

In an interview yesterday, Wina observed that most women have a huge task of taking care of their families, orphans and the sick.

"Women are the heroines of development because they are feeding their families, they are taking care of the vulnerable, they are taking care of the orphans, the aged, the sick particularly with the advent of this terrible disease HIV and AIDS. It's not an easy thing," she said.

Wina said must continue to work hard and be recognised in their societies.

And Mama Kankasa who was yesterday awarded as the virtuous woman of 2012 by the Generation Impact Foundation said women had a responsibility to contribute on matters that affected them.

"…It is the duty of all of us to contribute to the drafting of the constitution that can stand the test of time," Mama Kankasa said during the award presentation ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka yesterday.

She also advised young women aspiring to join politics to work hard and get an education because education was key to national development.

Mama Kankasa, however, noted with sadness the increased incidences of gender-based violence and child abuse in the country.

She said such acts were a danger to the country's peace as well as development.

"…Therefore, it is important for everyone to ensure that human rights are protected," said mama Kankasa.

Mama Kankasa, who is also treasurer of the Freedom Fighters Association, is the second person to be awarded in recognition of her contribution towards the country's development, after first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda's wife, Betty.

And Generation Impact Foundation chief executive Panji Chipeta hoped the young generation would emulate Mama Kankasa's spirit of oneness and ensure that the peace and freedom she fought hard for was preserved for the betterment of the country.

And Standard Chartered Bank managing director Mizinga Melu said it was possible for young people to channel their energies to positive activities that can help in building the country.

Among those who attended the presentation of the award were former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa and former Inspector General of Police Ephraim Mateyo.

Labels: INONGE WINA, WOMEN

posted by MrK @ 7:11 PM