Govt committed to upholding principles of equality - Inonge
By Fridah Nkonde
Thu 14 Nov. 2013, 14:01 CAT

GENDER minister Inonge Wina says it is the government's obligation to ensure that there is equality of rights between men and women as guided by the constitution, laws and culture.

During the Holy Day commemoration and birth of Baha'ullah, the prophet founder of Bahai faith in Lusaka on Monday night, Wina said the principles of Bahai faith and their translation had greatly contributed to the spiritual and material advancement of the people of Zambia.

"I wish to state that some of the principles greatly influence the mandate of my ministry and these include: the principle of equality of both men and women, principle of elimination of prejudices of all kinds, principle of universal compulsory education and the principle of universal peace on the world. These principles reinforce the millennium development goals which have strong bearing on the nation's developmental agenda such as to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, and promote gender equality and empower women," Wina said in a speech read for her by the ministry's director of child development, John Zulu.

She said the government was fully committed to upholding the principle of equality between men and women.

Wina said President Michael Sata had led the way by ensuring that women also occupied decision making positions, adding that, the various sectors of the government had also come on board to ensure that impediments which hinder women progression were removed and good practices were promoted.

She commended Bahai faith for partnering with the government in the promotion of girl child education.

Wina said, it was unfortunate that girls who were to be in higher grades were out of school as a result of being married off at tender ages, falling pregnant and long distances to schools.

She said Zambia was part of Bahai faith principle of elimination of prejudice of all kinds whether political, racial or religious because they destructed the devine foundation in humans.

"Zambia being a Christian nation recognises the supremacy of God almighty and respects the beliefs of various religions," said Wina.
And National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'ullah of Zambia Houman Rouhani said there was need for all people to make the world a better place.