Maravi

NGOCC calls hard work in overcoming poverty

NGOCC calls hard work in overcoming poverty
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sun 28 Oct. 2012, 13:40 CAT

NGOCC board chairperson Beatrice Grillo says it will take hard work to overcome poverty.

Grillo, in an interview, said it was imperative to adopt the theme of hard work as a nation as it would contribute to providing solutions to the numerous challenges that the people were faced with such as high poverty levels.

She said poverty in Zambia had continued to wear a feminine face as could be seen from the millennium development goal (MDG) progress report (2011), which indicates that in 2006, extreme poverty was 57 per cent in female-headed households compared to 49 per cent for male-headed households.

"In addition, eight women continue to die every day in Zambia from maternal-related complications going by the country's maternal mortality (MMR) rates which stand at 591 deaths per 100,000 live births. It is unacceptable that 48 years after independence, women should continue to die in childbirth due to lack of access to adequate medical care," she said.

"In line with the theme for this year's independence, which is vision, hard work and unity, it is important for us as a nation to reflect on our aspirations, achievements and challenges towards building a self reliant and developed nation."

Grillo said unity of purpose was important for the nation to build a 'One Zambia, One nation' that not only promotes equal participation of women and men in all spheres of national development but also anchored on strong systems and pillars of governance such as a good constitution.

"Therefore, the constitution-making process that the country is currently undergoing should foster the participation of each and every citizen by the end product being reflective of the people's aspirations," she said.

"Therefore, as we embrace the theme for this year's independence celebration, let us bear in mind that it will take hard work to overcome poverty. Hard work is at various levels, therefore, both the government and the citizens should work hard in addressing the challenges that face our nation. The government as representatives of the people must work hard to meet the aspirations of the Zambian people in fulfilling the campaign promises they made during the elections."

Grillo said the women's movement wanted to see a Zambia where both women and men fully participate and benefit equally in the developmental processes of this country.

Labels: BEATRICE GRILLO, HEALTHCARE, NGOCC, POVERTY, WORK ETHIC

posted by MrK @ 10:53 PM