Culture of silence among women not working - WiLSA
By Fridah Nkonde
Thu 16 Jan. 2014, 14:00 CAT
MEN who have any kind of infectious disease have an obligation to tell their partners about it, says Women and Law in Southern Africa national coordinator Maimbo Ziela. And Ziela says the culture of silence among women has not worked for them.
Commenting on the Chipata Local Court's order that a prominent Reformed Church in Zambia choir conductor, Charles Zulu, pays Loyce Nachona K5,000 as compensation for allegedly infecting her with HIV, Ziela in an interview said the court's decision was correct.
"According to the Penal Code CAP 87 under section 183, what the law says is that any person who negligently does anything which he knows and has reason to think is going to spread the infection or disease which is dangerous to life is guilty of a misdemeanor," she said.
"Now a misdemeanor is a minor offence. It is not one of the big offences we have but a minor offence. The act here does not say what it is that you would be sentenced to if you were to be found guilty. But it does say that you have committed an offence,"
She said assuming that Zulu knew that he was actually infected before he engaged in the sexual act with Nachona, he had an obligation to actually tell his partner that he had an infection that may cause harm to life.
Ziela said people knew the level of danger inflicted on the person who becomes infected with HIV, adding that the ruling in Zulu's case was appropriate in the sense that it found the person guilty of an act that could cause harm or danger to another person.
"But that is assuming that the facts which are written are exactly the facts that happened on the ground. You have got to know what exactly happened. It is very difficult to point at a person that this is the person that infected me," she said.
"But you see, the problem is not so much with me who is saying this is the person that infected me but with the person who is infected and knew that the act would cause harm to the another person. There, there is a problem."
Ziela said the background of the provision was that "any person who did an act not authorised by law or omits to discharge a legal duty and causes common injury or danger or annoyance to another person, commits a misdemeanor of a common nuisance and is liable upon imprisonment to a term of one year".
And Ziela said there was need to keep teaching women how to speak out.
She said there was also need for all counsellors to begin to teach women how to take care of themselves in all areas.
Ziela said women needed to ensure that they did not perpetually remain victims of disease and violence.
Labels: FRAUD, MAIMBO ZIELA, WILSA, WOMEN
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(MONITOR UG) Maama Fiina, the business empress
Ms Sylvia Namutebi explains how she has managed to succeed in different business. She says it is not wise for an entrepreneur to invest in one business entity.
Ms Sylvia Namutebi explains how she has managed to succeed in different business. She says it is not wise for an entrepreneur to invest in one business entity PHOTOs BY edgar r. batte.
By EDGAR R. BATTE
Posted Saturday, January 11 2014 at 02:00
In Summary
From start up capital of Shs38,000, the leader of Ugandan traditional healers has managed to grow a business empire worth Shs500 million.
At 16, she quit her first job as a house help and resorted to hawking merchandise on the streets of Kampala.
That was in 1995. Sylvia Namutebi, aka Maama Fiina, started with an initial capital of Shs38,000 to buy polythene bags which she started selling at Mini-price, in down town Kampala. She says she does not earn from witchcraft as many would assume.
“I was hungry to increase this money because I was not only going to blame myself but the woman who had given me the capital. I learnt that when fellow hawkers bought polythene bags from us, they would sell them at a profit in the Old Taxi Park, so I changed my working station to the park. There were more people, more business and generally I saw an opportunity to sell more,” Namutebi explains.
Her first duty stations were at the Kayunga, Mukono and Jinja taxi stages. She says she was both hardworking and lucky. “I found the polythene bag business profitable. After six months, my business was worth Shs160, 000. Then a friend told me that we can go to Nairobi and buy clothes in wholesale and sell at a profit. I bought into the idea, saved more and travelled with her to Nairobi. That introduced me into the fabrics business,” she explains.
After four trips she recalls making a profit of Shs800, 000. She kept at it and in three months, she realised profits of Shs3 million. She was really very strict and saved every penny.
“In November 1996, I felt I wanted to start rewarding myself a little. I had dreamt of driving a car. By this time, one could buy a second hand car at Shs1.4 million,” she recounts.
“But right about the same time, a gentleman, who would later become my boyfriend, drove past me around Namasuba one midmorning. He bought me a phone and gave me Shs7 million cash. I was excited. I used part of the money to buy a Matatu. From one Matatu I was able to save and buy another, and another,” Namutebi says.
Along the way, she met her current husband Ali Kyonjo with whom she was able to broaden her business horizons. “I had more money than he had but he was immensely industrious. At this point, I went into importing and selling busuti (gomesi attires). In 1998, I made my first trip to Dubai to go and shop for merchandise. All along I never for a day forgot that I was not educated and that I could not afford to mess with my businesses,” she explains.
With a phone, a rare possession at the time, Namutebi started making friends through calling in on radio. This, she says, earned her political capital. “My businesses started growing. Gomesi attires earned me the most profits. By 1999, I would make up to Shs30m in both the clothing and transport businesses. I had about five cars operating on the Kampala-Jinja highway. At the time, each Matatu cost Shs8.5 million,” she recollects.
Namutebi says she saw another opportunity in motorcycles or boda boda business. “I would buy the boda bodas and give them to riders on a loan scheme.
I would buy the motorcycles at Shs720, 000 each and tell the riders to return Shs1.4m on completion of the loan. This meant I earned more than 100 per cent on each boda boda.”
Because of the high profits, the business woman was able to grow her business to 500 motorcycles in Kampala. She says she started with 20 motorcycles which grew the business to 500 motorcycles.
Today, Namutebi has branched into real state which she says is equally rewarding. “As a trader it is not wise for you to deal in one thing. If you go to buy shoes and find there are no shoes, buy socks or buy shirts,” she argues.
Call on women
Namutebi encourages women to go into business because, as she says, women are better business managers than men. “Work hard, pray and trust in God, be honest and trustworthy. Women should no longer think that men are their sole providers. It is satisfying to be earning your own money. Do not undermine yourself. You might even be lucky that you went to school. I did not, so go use that knowledge,” she advises.
Although she does not own a car bond, Namutebi says she buys and resells cars at a profit. She adds that it is not wise for an entrepreneur to invest in one business entity or one item.
She says that is how she has managed to grow her business empire to a float of Shs500 million. “Whenever I go to Dubai, China, Turkey or Europe to buy merchandise I will go with about $15,000 (about Shs38m) or $20,000 (about Shs50m),” she says.
“I have managed to get people who run my businesses so now I am always shopping to strengthen the business. I travel every two to three weeks. Distribution of my business into different items and entities has helped spread my profit since out market is not predictable.”
But as Namutebi explains business has come with its challenges too. “There are so many sub-standard things these days,” she points out.
rbatte@ug.nationmedia.com
Labels: BUSINESS, WOMEN
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Chipata's Mboza ward women receive poultry equipment
By Peter Sukwa in Chipata
Thu 26 Dec. 2013, 14:00 CAT
THE government under the Ministry of Gender and Child Development has handed over various poultry and other farming equipment to several women clubs in Chipata's Mboza ward in an effort to alleviate poverty among women in the country.
The equipment which includes 105 small and big drinkers, feeders, five ox-carts and 10 ploughs were donated to 11 women groups at Kasuma Primary School in Kasenengwa Constituency on Monday.
Speaking when he handed over the equipment, Chipata district commissioner Kalunga Zulu, who was represented by district administrative officer, Masautso Banda, said government had decided to empower women in the country to uplift their living standards.
Zulu said that the government through the Ministry of Gender and Child Development had set aside equipment for women groups for their various income-generating activities countrywide.
He said supporting women entrepreneurship activities was one step towards reducing women vulnerability and gender-based violence perpetrated by men in the country.
He said government remains committed to supporting women's efforts in reducing poverty at their individual and households levels in the country.
Acting provincial Gender and Child Development officer, Ariel Tembo, said his office was happy that the government had finally handed over the equipment to women in the area.
Tembo said that it was important that every club must have few men who would assist in strengthening and encouraging women to work hard.
And Mboza women clubs coordinator, William Zulu, thanked President Michael Sata for having a heart for the poor in rural areas.
Meanwhile, induna Muzimakazi of chief Mishoro's area said the chief was happy that government was helping the poor in the community.
Induna Muzimakazi said the PF government had performed wonders in a short period of time they have been in power, which a lot of people never expected.
Labels: CHIPATA, POULTRY, WOMEN
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'PF determined to end poverty'
By Misheck Wangwe in Chingola
Mon 16 Dec. 2013, 14:00 CAT
CHINGOLA district commissioner George Sichula says the PF government will always support women groups that have initiated progressive ideas of ending poverty in communities.
Speaking on Saturday when he presented cheques amounting to K139,181 to 14 women clubs in Chingola at Nakatindi Primary School, Sichula said the women that had received funding must work hard, graduate and allow their business ventures to grow.
He said it would be improper to continue funding the same groups without growth.
"The money you have received should be a stepping stone to your growth, we are giving you better capital for you to become good business executives to augment and penetrate the market. Women clubs are a very important component of our society and community at large and as such, we must at time recognise their efforts as partners in development. Government, through the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health, has a mandate to alleviate the suffering of the poor and empower the most vulnerable in the communities," Sichula said.
He said the government had come up with deliberate programmes for women at lowest community level aimed at dealing with their plight.
Sichula said of the 165 women clubs in the district, 91 have been funded and 10 received K90,000 worth of cheques last month, an indication that the government was seriously committed to empowering all women clubs in the district.
Labels: GEORGE SICHULA, PF, POVERTY, WOMEN
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'Zambia is not doing much on inequality'
By Agness Changala
Mon 22 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
ZAMBIA National Women's Lobby Group says Zambia is not doing much to address the challenges of inequity and inequality.
Commenting on United Nations resident coordinator Kanni Wignaraja who said Zambia needed to address inequity and equality before they break the country's backbone, ZNWG chairperson Beauty Phiri, said there was need to address the two because the development of the country could not be attained without them.
Phiri said it was selfishness on the part of leaders for Zambia to fail to distribute resources equally and put food on the table for everyone.
She said if the decentralisation programme was not going to be implemented fully, the country would get stuck and some people would continue to wallow in poverty while others have more than others.
"If for example we have people that have problems in North-Western Province and with the resources the province has still those resources are controlled by Lusaka, then we are not going anywhere," she said.
"Lusaka controls this, Lusaka will control the shots and the permanent secretary in Lusaka will control resources in North-Western, where he has never even been, and if he has been, it's because he wants to get an allowance, not to go and look at what is happening on the ground and how to improve the economy in that area."
Phiri said if decentralisation was not going to be fully implemented and women left behind in terms of development, the country would continue to lag behind.
She said although President Michael Sata was trying to appoint women in decision-making positions, it did not take away the fact that the country was running away from the real issue of coming up with affirmative action that would enable the country to attain 50/50 representation in decision-making positions as required.
Phiri observed that the women representation in Parliament today was only 10.7 per cent when it was supposed to be 50 per cent. "So really, we are not doing anything about it as a country," she said.
Phiri said countries that had reached 30 or 50 per cent representation, had some affirmative action that had made them attain the percentages they had attained.
During the Local Government Association of Zambia and 10th Alliance of mayors and municipal leaders (AMICAALL) general conference in Nakonde, Wignaraja said despite Zambia recording a steady growth, good macro policies that stabilised inflation and brought more foreign direct investment, nearly half of the country's population still lived in extreme poverty and could not fully meet their family's basic needs.
Labels: KANNI WIGNARAJA, WOMEN
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(SUNDAY MAIL ZW)Zec’s Iron Ladies
Sunday, 14 July 2013 00:00
Lincoln Towindo
In February this year, Zimbabwe scored a first. The appointment of Justice Rita Makarau to chair the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) marked an era-defining moment in the country’s history. Along with renowned administrator Mrs Joyce Kazembe as second-in-command at Zec, elections in Zimbabwe were officially placed under the watch of women for the first time.
Given that 2013 was an election year, placing two women at the helm of the electoral body was interpreted by some sceptics as a “gamble” and had its fair share of criticism and praise.
Some people wondered: Could the authorities have been off the mark by placing women in the hot seat traditionally considered a “manly” post? As soon as the appointment was announced, the jury was out.
Nearly four months following the change of guard and with harmonised elections on the horizon, popular sentiment is that the two have so far acquitted themselves very well.
During their time in office, the duo has morphed into a fearsome administrative tag team, brooking no nonsense in the execution of their mandate and earning themselves a moniker the “Iron Ladies”.
Having proven themselves for years as vibrant public administrators and shrewd legal sages throughout their careers, Justice Makarau and Mrs Kazembe have so far gone about their business with consummate ease and calmness.
The duo’s administration credentials and rising profile were further enhanced in the wake of a flawlessly managed constitutional referendum in March.
However, they still await what may well be the biggest test of their professional careers — the July 31 harmonised elections. But with less than a fortnight to go before the poll, the dynamic duo has barely shown any signs of buckling under pressure.
During their short stint at the apex, the dynamic duo has shown that they are indeed “woman enough” to handle the task. Justice Makarau attributes her robust demeanour to stakeholder support.
“It is a very demanding position; we are not underestimating it. The support and goodwill from all sectors — political parties; the media and civil society — has greatly helped,” says the chief election driver.
“What has also assisted is remaining focused on what is in the best interest of the country. In all situations I ask myself, ‘What is in the best interest of the country, and try to deliver.”
Information management is a critical aspect of election administration and under Justice Makarau and Mrs Kazembe, Zec has come out with flying colours.
At many a Press briefing, some journalists have oftentimes come for some firm albeit graceful chastising.
Under the leadership of the iron ladies, the commission has also garnered widespread praise for its professionalism. Being an impartial adjudicator is not new to Justice Makarau. After all, she is a former Judge President and also sat, briefly, on the Supreme Court bench.
At one point, she was a non-constituency Member of Parliament. She comes highly regarded and is often described as a woman of virtue who commands a great deal of respect and reverence right across society.
During her stint at Zec, she is widely revered for not showing any signs of bias towards any political side. She remains well commended for that trait.
Never the one afraid to speak her mind, as Judge President in 2009, Justice Makarau courted the ire of fellow legal practitioners after she fired a broadside at fellow judges and lawyers who dabbled in politics.
“It is my view that sadly, a few of us, judges and legal practitioners alike, have allowed the transient politics of the day to affect the relationship between profession and the bench,” she said speaking at the opening of the 2009 legal year.
“The time-honoured duty of all legal practitioners to seek the truth and to assist the court at all times, has, in some instances, and on account of politics, been thrown overboard.”
Mrs Kazembe, on the other hand, was caretaker boss at Zec when the then chairperson Justice Simpson Mutambanengwe was unavailable.
She managed to steer the Zec ship in the tempestuous waters that was the inclusive Government.
Mrs Kazembe is a renowned administrator who has held several high-profile posts in academia and civil society.
Having been thrown into the deep end, the two women have displayed momentous rigidity which most people, including their male counterparts, can only dream of, putting to rest the dogmatic mantra — “it’s a man’s world”.
Never afraid to crack the whip when necessary, Zimbabweans can rest assured the forthcoming elections are in good hands. But the jury remains out as the general elections approach.
Fact Box
Justice Rita Makarau
* Born December 7, 1960
* 1982 Graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UZ
* 1983 Graduated with an Honours Degree in Law from UZ
* 1983-1984 Public Prosecutor at the Magistrates’ Courts
* 1984-1988 Private practice
* 1988-1989 Secretary for Legal Affairs at Parastatals Commission
* 1990-2000 Private Practice
* 1995-2000 Part-time UZ lecturer
* 1997-Non-Constituency MP
* 1998-1999 Commissioner at Constitutional Commission
* December 2000-Appointed High Court Judge
* 2006-Judge President
* 2010-Appointed to Supreme Court bench
* February 2013-Appointed Zec chairperson
Fact Box
Mrs Joyce Kazembe
* 1983-Attained UZ Bachelor of Administration (Honours) Degree
* June 1990-Joined the Sapes Trust — served for 18 years in senior managerial capacities and as Trustee
* 1999-2000 Commissioner and Administrator, Constitutional Commission
* 2001-2002 Governor — Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
* 1988-2007 Councillor — Catholic University in Zimbabwe
* 1995-2001 Vice-President (Southern Africa) — African Association of Political Science
* 2005-2010 Mambo Press Board of Directors
* 2001-2005 Commissioner at Electoral Supervisory Commission of Zimbabwe
Labels: JOYCE KAZEMBE, RITA MAKARAU, WOMEN, ZEC
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Pregnancy-related causes claim a life every 4 hours - Dr Kaseba
By Fridah Nkonde
Fri 12 Apr. 2013, 14:01 CAT
FIRST lady Dr Christine Kaseba says a woman dies every four hours in Zambia from pregnancy-related causes.
During the launch of maternal newborn and child health roadmap in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Kaseba said although progress had been made in the reduction of maternal, under-five and infant mortality rates over the years, the reductions had not resulted in significant progress as death still remained unacceptably high.
"Most of these women die during childbirth and the first one week of delivery. We also know that the poorest women have more than twice as many children as women who live in the wealthiest households.
Challenges remain because almost 850 children die daily from preventable diseases. Many more thousands of children are suffering from illnesses caused by lack of clean water, poor nutrition, and adequate health services and care," Dr Kaseba said.
She said low access to family planning results in frequent unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and contributes to increased risk of abortions, stillbirths, prematurity and babies born with low birth weight.
She said sick children were less likely to reach school age healthy, well nourished, confident and ready to learn.
She said Zambia should end preventable child deaths and that no woman should die while giving life.
"As women, we need to ensure that household and communities practice health seeking behaviours. As husbands, and father, you need to recognise that you play a major role in ensuring access of health services to women and children and communities are strongly encouraged to mobilise themselves to ensure that they mobilise necessary logistics including transport for referral of pregnant women and sick children for health care," she said.
Dr Kaseba appealed to the government to address the high poverty levels which mostly affected women and children.
She also urged medical officers to pay due diligence in providing the required health services that would improve lives of women and children.
UNICEF deputy executive director Geeta Rao Gupta said the agency was committed to support the Zambian government-led effort to identify the most disadvantaged children and reach those communities where the burden of mortality was highest.
Labels: CHRISTINE KASEMBA, HEALTHCARE, WOMEN
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Kaonga laments sleeping conditions for mothers in Chimbokaila
By Fridah Nkonde
Fri 12 Apr. 2013, 14:00 CAT
SLEEPING conditions at Lusaka Central Prison do not provide incarcerated mothers and their children space that is safe and secure, says Zambia Prisons Service Lusaka province regional commander Chrispin Kaonga.
And Gender and Child Development deputy minister Esther Banda says government and the Zambia Prisons Service will ensure that children whose parents are in prison receive the necessary attention like any other child.
Meanwhile, out of 105 female inmates at Lusaka Central Prison, 10 have circumstantial children of which six were males and four are females.
During the Ministry of Gender and Child Development's donation of assorted items to prisoner mothers and their children at Lusaka Central Prison on Wednesday, Kaonga said babies were delicate and required environments that were clean and conducive.
"But now we can't find that environment in the prison at the moment. We have people with different kinds of ailments in prison and children are supposed to be protected at all times. Lusaka Central Prison is a place where you find female inmates, those that are convicted and those still appearing before the courts of law. We even have the newest baby that was born last week," Kaonga said.
She said the food that was found in prison was that of grown up people, adding that they had challenges when it came to feeding of the babies because they did not have provisions of milk and porridge for the children.
"Your coming here minister would provide a way of finding a solution to this problem. The space that we have is not adequate. We would want to have a nursery in prison where babies can be kept during the day but due to competing needs we have failed to have one. We would want these children born from prisoners to become meaningful and responsible citizens of this country because they are prisoner not by design but because their parents are prisoners," he said.
And Banda said her ministry had embarked on a programme targeting children living with their incarcerated parents.
"This programme will among other things focus on gathering of information on children living with their incarcerated parents for us to come up with appropriate intervention measures, creating of linkages with other stakeholders in order to provide alternative care for children whose parents are in prison and mobilisation of necessary resources to support children whose parents are in prison," she said.
She said her ministry would also ensure that women prisoners benefit from the women economic empowerment programmes upon being released so that they could lead better and productive lives.
Labels: HEALTHCARE, WOMEN
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2 females complete para-troopers’ course
Saturday, 16 March 2013 00:00
Lewis Tembo Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s first two female para-troopers who completed their Parachute Jumping Instructor’s and Dispatcher’s course yesterday graduated in Harare along with 22 other members of their squad.
The Parachute Jumping Instructor’s and Dispatcher’s Course 1 of 2012 comprised 18 parachute jumping instructors and six dispatchers.
Aircraftmen Sergeant Tendai Nashe-Kavande (24) and Sergeant Tracey Munodawafa (22) became the first women para-troopers after they were conferred with Air Force wings and certificates to mark the occasion.
Chief of Staff Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, Acting Brigadier General Colonel Charles Mazaiwana, Base Commander Manyame Air Base Group Captain Peter Zimondi and managing director of Liquid Telecoms Mr Wellington Makamure witnessed the graduation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba said the graduation was an historic occasion as it was the first course with the highest intake and the first to train female officers.
“The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has over the years championed the implementation of gender equality policies espoused by the Government.
“I am particularly pleased to note that the women in the AFZ have seized opportunities availed to them as today we have two female members who have defied all odds and made history by becoming the first female jumping instructors,” he said.
He said the pair had opened avenues for other women to follow by setting a positive standard.
Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba said the Parachute Training School was the only school to conduct parachute training for all Zimbabwe Defence Forces officers and members.
He said the high number of instructors would allow the school to run more training courses in readiness for military and humanitarian assistance operations where parachute jumping skills were required.
“Parachute jumping is a skill that requires courage, discipline and training of the highest standards.
“Of the 33 students who enrolled, only 18 students managed to complete the training and eight others failed to attain the high standards demanded by the course,” he said.
Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba commended the graduates for their perseverance after they lost a senior parachute jumping instructor and a student in a training accident that resulted from their parachutes failing to open.
He commended Liquid Telecom for partnering AFZ and donating parachutes and support equipment among other things. Aircraftmen Sgts Nashe and Munodawafa said they had faced many challenges during the course of their training.
Labels: ARMED FORCES, WOMEN
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VP Mujuru calls for representation by women of substance
Saturday, 09 March 2013 00:00
Herald Reporters
Government needs women of substance to effectively address cases of violence against women and girls, Acting President Joice Mujuru has said.
Speaking to journalists yesterday on the occasion of the International Women’s Day in Harare yesterday, VP Mujuru said it was important to have representation of such women in Parliament because that is where laws are discussed.
“We do not need anybody who will come and swell the numbers, we want people of substance, we want people who come with issues of women at heart, we want women who will be conversant with what will be going on and participate,” she said.
She said women chosen to represent others in Parliament should constantly consult and report back to their constituencies.
“It is not an issue of choosing a woman, it is an issue of choosing someone who can go and make a difference,” she said.
VP Mujuru condemned continual violence against women and children describing the pepertrators as a “shame’’ to the nation.
Recent cases of violence against women and young girls include the beating up of Hurungwe West legislator Cde Sarah Mahoka, the rape and murder of a 12-year old girl from Rugare and raping of a two year old baby by a soldier.
“These are some of the things that we went to fight against because a woman is a human being and most of the people who indulge themselves in such acts are men.
“As women these are some of the things that we should now sit and talk about,” she said.
VP Mujuru said women had their quota of decision making positions guaranteed in the draft constitution and what needs to be done now is a vigorous campaign in their parties.
Earlier, VP Mujuru cogratulated women for achievements made to date.
She said with all the achievements more still needed to be done.
“Today is our day as women of the universe. Lets celebrate it with earnest for things we have so far accomplished,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day where stakeholders urged the police to deal with perpetrators of violence against women.
The commemorations were held under the theme: “A promise is a promise. Time for action to end violence against women” and were organised by Safaids.
Speakers at the event called the police to be proactive and play its role to reduce cases of violence against women and the girl child.
House of Assembly Member for Glen View South Funny Munengami said the police should play a pivotal role in reducing cases of domestic violence by implementing Anti Domestic Violence Act.
“Laws are there. We want the police to implement that Act if we are to deal with cases of domestic violence,” he said.
“This issue also requires political will and without that commitment from politicians we will not succeed.”
He said departments that deal with issues of domestic violence needed to be capacitated for them to execute their duties efficiently.
Chairperson of the Health and Child Welfare Parliamentary portfolio committee Cde David Parirenyatwa said everyone should play a role to tame domestic violence.
“Of course the police should play their part but it is the whole society that needs to be dealt with,” he said.
“In schools teachers are raping children and in churches we have cases where women are being raped and it is really the whole society that should deal with the issue of violence against women.”
He urged women to vote for the draft constitution in the referendum set for next Saturday saying protects their rights.
“This particular constitution is a women’s constitution. About of its content support the women and I urge you to read it and understand it,” he said.
Sunningdale legislator Margaret Matienga said urged women to urgently report rape cases.
She said women were too sincere and as such they were failing the justice delivery system.
As part of commemorating the day, a candle lighting ceremony was held in honour of Tsitsi Stacy Manjome who was raped and killed in Rugare recently.
Labels: INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, JOICE MUJURU, WOMEN
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Tsvangirai under fire for 'main actor' comment
Main actor ... Morgan Tsvangirai and his late wife Susan, who died tragically in a car crash
08/03/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
MORGAN Tsvangirai faced a backlash on Friday, a day after appearing to suggest it was better his wife died in a car accident in 2009 and he survived – because he is the “main actor”.
The Prime Minister spoke at a memorial service for his late wife, Susan, at which he said he had “recovered from the shock” of the March 6, 2009, car accident which killed the mother of six of his children.
The MDC-T leader – famous for putting his foot in it at formal events when breaking from the prepared script – then said something which has shocked even his supporters.
“Ask yourself, had it been me who died and she had survived, what would have happened?,” Tsvangirai was quoted as saying by the NewsDay.
“One of the fundamental things is that the main actor doesn’t die if the film is still on.”
Veteran journalist and feminist Grace Mutandwa, reacting on Facebook, said: “After reading that, I just thought WOW! Is he suggesting that Susan was a ‘bit’ actress so it was okay because the main actor was still there, the show would go on?
“He really needs real advisers not just hangers-on who tell him what he wants to hear. Currying favour got us to where we are now – stuck in IMPUNITY SQUARE.”
Media commentator Innocent Chofamba Sithole said: “What a thing to say! Even if you translate it to Shona, it still remains a clumsy and troubling statement.
“Why couldn't he say, simply, that he's humbled by the fact that he survived the accident, which left him in a fit state to continue the struggle that he began with his late wife at his side; that he knows she would have wanted nothing more than for him to carry on serving the people and providing hope to them? Isn't that a more humane and sensible thing to say?”
Commenting on Facebook, Herbert Chikosi said: “If he was my father I was going disown him. The speech or joke was off the rail and very insensitive towards his wife and kids. The way I miss my mum, hearing such...!”
Zanu PF supporter and academic George Shire also weighed in, describing Tsvangirai’s comments as “in bad taste, disrespectful and unkind to all who knew her”.
He added: “In the first edition of the film “Mr & Mrs Tswangirai”, Morgan tells us he was the lead character. So much for what was meant to be a partnership of equals! Maybe it gives us a hint of what he thinks about women.”
Precious Shumba, spokesman for the Harare Residents Association, quipped: "So the PM thinks it was better that his wife died because she was not the main actor. He has moved on I guess. My mother died when I was five, and I can't imagine hearing my father saying this before family and friends. It was highly insensitive of him... maybe he is under immense pressure to be humorous."
There were pockets of support for Tsvangirai, who married Elizabeth Macheka in September last year.
Cardwell Nyaungwa, writing on Facebook, said: “This is a warrior statement and one not for the sissies. It’s truth. Mai Tsvangirai could not stand [Robert] Mugabe as is happening [with Tsvangirai], she was a great pillar of support to the man of the hour!”
Clemence Manyukwe, the political editor of the weekly Financial Gazette said Tsvangirai presented a nightmare for his handlers by not paying much attention to what he says.
And Manyukwe says it’s unlikely to be the last time.
“He is an open zip and shut mind main actor. Talk about putting one’s foot in one’s mouth. The man is legendary,” he said.
Labels: MDC, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, SUSAN TSVANGIRAI, WOMEN
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COMMENT - Abuse, internet? Just use your blocking functions.
Insults and abuses on the Internet
By The Post
Thu 07 Mar. 2013, 13:40 CAT
The observations made by Charlotte Scott on the abuse of the Internet or social media to insult, abuse, humiliate, harass and intimidate women deserve urgent and serious considerations.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for women to participate in public discourse due to the harassment and abuse they are subjected to on the social media. Of course, it is not only women who are subjected to this. Men are also victims of these abuses. But the brunt of this is predominantly being borne by women.
Many readers will disagree with us and that is normal and rational. People cannot have the same opinion on one subject because though we are all equal by our common humanity, we are also different by our individuality. But does the fact that we differ on an issue give those who disagree with us the right to insult and abuse us?
The Internet has given a true meaning to press freedom and freedom of expression by opening up all forms of media to anyone and everyone with access to the Internet as well as enabling anyone and everyone with access to Internet to freely express themselves. As a result, even the most powerful governments in the world can no longer easily curtail press freedom and freedom of expression.
The Internet has also given a voice to the voiceless and empowered the powerless in the area of press freedom and freedom of expression. However, we believe that many users of the Internet are seriously concerned about the way it is being used or misused and abused in the name of press freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia and by Zambians. The practice these days is such that it appears insults and abuses have become an integral part of the enjoyment of these rights by Zambians.
Without doubt, those who developed the Internet and other media avenues did not intend to create a forum for insults and abuse, but rather an opportunity for us to share ideas, expertise and to contribute to the development of our communities.
The insults and abuses know no limits. Please do not misunderstand the rationale behind this editorial comment. We are not in any way suggesting that Zambians should not hold their leaders accountable or criticise them. Far from it. But could that not be done without insults and abuses? We should be critical friends and offer constructive criticism.
We can disagree with our political opponents without being abusive. After all, political parties and politicians are in competition to win elections and not at battle to win wars.
The freedom to post comments on websites without any review of the contents of such comments has made the insults and abuses inevitable. This is tantamount to a licence to abuse the rights of others.
Most comments posted on some of these websites are nothing but pure defamatory and libellous in nature and against the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the Zambian Constitution. So why are Zambians violating their own Constitution by using the media and Internet to freely express insulting and abusive language and opinions, incite hatred against other members of the community and so on and so forth?
There is the urgency for appropriate action to be taken to address this danger and threat to the two freedoms. Those who regularly post these insulting, abusive, racist and ethnic bashing comments are enemies of press freedom and freedom of expression.
Sadly, we are tempted to suggest that if the insults and abuses do not stop, then, our media websites may have to introduce some software to weed out the insults and abuses. For example, in order to be able to comment on most if not all media websites in the United Kingdom, one must register with the website and provide name and contact details including a valid email address and telephone number.
Comments are approved in advance before they are accessible to the public. We are not suggesting this approach as our websites may not have the resources to review in advance the many comments posted on the websites each day. However, if these abuses continue, then drastic measures must be introduced to stop the abusers and enemies of progress.
We accept that this would not be easy as it may be defeatist and may even not be in the true spirit of press freedom and freedom of speech. But the enjoyment of these freedoms without due regard to the restrictions contained therein (international and regional covenants and our national Constitution) they would make a mockery of the very rights and freedoms we all cherish and must protect.
We know for sure that we will be subjected to insults and abuse for the contents of this editorial comment.
We are not daunted, rather, we take inspiration from what Martin Luther King Jr said: "An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him or her is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law." He also said, "The ultimate measure of a man/woman is not where he/she stands in moments of comfort and convenient, but where he/she stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Current legislation and its enforcement does not provide adequate protection against insults and threats on the internet. As part of the solution, we require now that the law be updated and adapted.
It cannot be said too many times. Internet itself is not the cause of these insults and abuses, it is only a venue. The Internet is a channel where insults, hatred and other abuses can spread by wind-speed and where it seems easier to speak far more coarse and disgusting than face-to-face with someone.
To stop and prevent this requires action at multiple levels and by many actors.
The Internet has swept into our lives and we have smart phones and tablets into our hearts and into our homes. Many are the meetings, initiatives and ideas that have been born thanks to the internet. At the same time, we face a situation that is no longer sustainable.
Children and young people are exposed to serious violations online without doing anything. And oddly enough, there seems to be a general acceptance that a violation that occur on the Internet would be more okay than that that would take place elsewhere.
One may get the impression that the Internet is a lawless land, but this is not the case. The professional rules of zero tolerance of violations also applies to what is happening on the internet.
We need to talk about what is okay and not. We need to talk about what it feels when someone writes something that is lousy and how they want to be treated.
Insults, hatred and other abuses must go out into the light to be combated. Both because it affects individuals and hard for all of us to dare to express our opinions. And because when people do not dare to speak for fear of being insulted, abused in all sorts of ways on the internet, this becomes a threat to our democracy.
We cannot ignore it any longer, it now requires sharper action to change what is going on. The problem will not go away by itself. We need to put in place a system that promotes the rights that every human being has not to be subjected to slander, threats or other serious violations.
Our presence on the Internet has opened up new types of crimes and there may be gaps in the criminal catalogue that now need to be filled. Many of the crimes that many people suffer on the Internet lead to serous consequences, but are not always matched by the penalty that is possible to impose. The penalties should be reviewed.
We need to prioritise this crime and provide resources to the police and prosecutors. Often the police are powerless when it comes to abuses or crime online.
To stop these abuses is our common responsibility and here we all have different roles to play.
We need to strengthen the police's capacity to track these people down and have them arrested. Today very little is done to track down and arrest the abusers of the internet. We need a law and law enforcement agencies that would target people who insult, threaten, bully, harass and defame other people on facebook, forum, blogs, comment sections on blogs, comment sections on newspaper articles and so on and so forth. Some would see this as vial and undemocratic, but many people here would support it, so we guess it is at least democratic.
Day by day, the usage of the Internet is increasing. Some dishonest people abuse it. Anyway, Internet is becoming the necessity of every class of people. We need to restrict the activities of some heinous and immoral people who use the Internet to belittle and degrade others.
It is said that every man or women should have an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he or she pleases before the public; to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression; but if he or she publishes what is improper, mischievous or illegal, he or she must take the consequences of his or her own temerity.
Labels: CHARLOTTE SCOTT, INTERNET, WOMEN
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KK calls on women to take up more leadership roles
By Tilyenji Mwanza
Mon 07 Jan. 2013, 14:00 CAT
Dr Kenneth Kaunda has implored women to take up more leadership roles as they are the pillars of the nation.
Dr Kaunda was speaking when he officiated at the induction service for Reverend Mwale Chomba as bishop for United Church of Zambia Lusaka Presbytery.
Dr Kaunda praised the United Church of Zambia for having many women with white-collar 'jobs' (the Women's Christian Fellowship) and urged them to even take up senior positions.
"This is why I love my church, you get to see so many women with white collars. Our church has so many mothers who are very important. One thing I am proud of is our church with the role of mothers. I'm very proud because mothers are very adequate," he said.
Dr Kaunda said women were adequate leaders because they have been nurtured to build. He said everyone should be thankful to women because everybody was born of a woman.
"These mothers are very important. Nine months, they are struggling, carrying us in their skin. You like this, you turn but nine months they continue to carry you. And after that you come out and they raise you," Dr Kaunda said.
He called on women to take up leadership positions in the church and various sectors of the nation because they could build the nation with love.
"Abanakashi bantu (women are strong people); with the love they have, they can surely build," he said.
The service could not come to an end without Dr Kaunda singing his renowned song Tiyende Pamodzi.
Dr Kaunda called for unity in the Church and in the country.
He called on leaders to govern the country with love and abide by the two golden rules of the Bible: 'Love your God with all your heart and love thy neighbour as you love yourself'.
Dr Kaunda said that if those rules were observed, the nation would have peace. He said the heart was the centre of life.
Bishop Mulumbwa also urged Bishop Chomba not to close his ears to criticism no matter how bad it may sound. He said even negative criticism, if adhered to, could help build one spiritually.
Labels: KENNETH KAUNDA, LEADERSHIP, WOMEN
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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
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Mazuba Bernadine Monze: Zambia's only qualified sugar crafter
By Masuzyo Chakwe and pictures by Salim Dawood
Sun 15 Apr. 2012, 08:00 CAT
ALTHOUGH 50-year-old Mazuba Bernadine Monze studied to be an economist, her heart and passion has always been in cookery and hospitality. Monze can reproduce anything in sugar. She is Zambia's only qualified sugar crafter.
"I am into bakery, cake decorating and sugar craft, meaning I can reproduce anything in a room in sugar, even a basket weave, I can recreate it. A whole flower arrangement in sugar, I can make it," she says.
She was born Mazuba Bernadine Monze but is known to many as Zu, hence the name of her company Zu Monze.
"Our logo is the art of reception, meaning that anything we need to do with an event, our company can handle it," she says.
She was born in May 4, 1961 at the University Teaching Hospital to Basil Mweene Monze and former minister in the Kaunda administration, former diplomat and politician Lily Walumweya Monze.
She says turning 50 last year was a milestone looking at the lifespan in Zambia.
Monze says as a Catholic, she decided to thank God for the 50 years of her life by having a ceremony at church and a party thereafter.
"My father is a former general manger of Zambia Railways, UBZ and a former permanent secretary of the ministry of power, transport and communications. And also abroad, my father worked for the OAU (Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union). So we did live abroad for the early part of my childhood," she says.
"We are five in total, I am the eldest and there is Dr Mweene Monze working for IBM South Africa; then we have Dr Mwaka Monze, who is head of virology and immunology at UTH; and then we have the guru of marketing Kay Monze; then there is Chiko."
Monze did most of her primary education at the Dominican Convent of Lusaka in Woodlands.
"We lived in Ethiopia. I studied at the American Community School in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia then came back to Zambia and completed my Form III which I excelled at and obtained a division one certificate, went on to Form V where I obtained a division one certificate as well. And then I went to UNZA where I attained my degree in economics with a minor in business," she says.
She says her studies did not end there as she went further to do the things that she loved - cake decoration.
"I went into cake decorating. I am Zambia's only qualified sugar crafter at the moment. I am a sugar artist. I excelled in that and I was trained under the best of the best. These are world class judges, they judge at international food fairs and they are authors, so they are very high in sugar artery or cake making," she says.
"I haven't really worked (as an economist), maybe I did a bit of temping (working on temporary basis) but funny enough my temping was always tailored to the same industry. I worked for Intercontinental, I worked for Pamodzi. I was Pamodzi's first holiday student because I had always loved the world of hospitality; how to take care of people, how to feed people, how to make people happy in an environment. That has always been in the back of my life, in my background."
Monze got married on November 12, 1983 to Christopher Bwalya Lombe, now deceased.
"We had two children, they are residing in the UK. Bwalya Christopher Lombe, first born and Lily Chipo Lombe, she is a lawyer and working in the UK. I have a granddaughter Kamira, she's in the UK with her parents," she says.
Monze says growing up as a child of a politician has greatly influenced her.
"I come from a very strong political background. In fact, I do intend to go into the political world because my life would not be complete if I didn't give back to this nation what it gave to me. My parents were very inspirational and what I have become today and you will see it in various parts of my life, I now serve as the first vice-president of Business and Professional Women Zambia and amongst other things, I have done a lot and I am trying to do a lot for my country," she says.
"I am also a patron for an orphanage in Chelston and these are things I feel we must engage ourselves in as part of community social responsibility. We need to look after our people and if we are in a better position, who else is better to help the needy in society? My mother is a very strong woman and I don't know, I may not speak for myself but people say that I get my strength of character from that. And my daughter Lily has a very strong character. We probably take it from there."
She says in whatever arena of politics, she is willing and ready to serve Zambia.
Monze is patriotic about Zambia and says this led to her returning from the UK.
She says her parents saw her talent when she was in university. She explains that while other people would go to offices to work, she would go into offices three days in a week to take orders.
"That started Zu Monze and that started my cake business because my parents saw that this child loved this world of cooking and creativity. Then I was sent to the UK by my mother. She sacrificed a lot and I excelled in my studies in this field and the reason why I went into this field, my dream was to come back to Zambia and open a one-stop shop for weddings and you can find everything from us because we are linked with other companies. I am an executive chef, I am a baker, pastry; I am a flower arranger and I am a sugar crafter, so three-quarters of your wedding is done," she says.
She says her company started as a little outlet at Simoson called Lily and Bobos in 1984 dealing in cakes and sweets.
She says she has started a school to mentor and teach young people in the art.
"I already have some who work under me especially when we are doing events and everything, but there are some who are permanently stationed as bakers, so they are learning the world of the art; of sugar craft. There are those who are with me as florists, so they are also gaining a lot," she says.
"But I would like to do it at a larger scale so that more people can gain from this. So I have started working on a school of floristry and sugar craft. There has been a lot of interest actually."
In floristry, Monze has been the reigning champion of the Lusaka Garden Club.
Monze says in the UK, with little training and huge competition, she managed to get third prize in the National Essex Flower show.
"My theme was very ethnic because I was very homesick. So everything I did was related and had something to do with Africa or Zambia because I missed Zambia very much," she says.
She says with her mother being a diplomat, she had an opportunity to travel a lot and even met the late Pope John Paul II, when her mother was serving as Zambia's ambassador to France.
"I have been exposed to the world of politics, foreign politics and just different cultures and lifestyles. And I have done things that are amazing. It is a God-given opportunity. Very few Zambians would have that blessing; I have travelled to Zambia on a private jet, all the way from Paris to Lusaka. I travelled with a French businessman and his family," he says.
Monze says she is happy that Zambians are realising her gifting.
"And whatever job we do, we try to excel, to even do better with each job. We don't want that tendency that most people have, after they do some work and they make a bit of money they start becoming comfortable. For us at Zu Monze, that is not the way. We want to even grow to greater heights.... We have recently joined up with a South African partner and we are working with the valiant innovative creations, so in line with this, we look at concept development," she says.
She says she deals in the finer details of an event: the floral arrangements, the décor, the catering for weddings, corporate function and in funerals.
Monze says people always seem to forget that a funeral is also an event and should be well and "tastefully done".
"And if anything, we pay too much attention to birth but we forget about death. Death is also a very important part of human existence, so even that has to be looked at, with finesse. So that's what Zu Monze really does, the finer details of the business and now with this other combination and grouping, we now look at an event from the angle that people haven't thought about," she says.
She says people are still coming to appreciate placing value on her kind of work.
"Decorating cakes, they don't seem to understand, to place a value on the product, the end product. They have no idea about the time it takes, the energy levels that are used, you know, in doing all this work. But I suppose with time maybe they will begin to understand and appreciate because the value of doing this abroad, in a developed nation, they really, really place a major value on it. It's not profitable to that level in Zambia, not yet. No, I am not saying that there is no value at all, there could be more value," she says.
Monze says she would not put a price on her products because her company has different packages to fit a person's pocket.
"So if you feel that this item will make these packages too high for you, you can remove it and we will advise you if it will have any effect or not," she says.
She is happy with the Patriotic Front government for recognising women.
"You will see that more women are holding positions of higher office. I think we are recognising the power of the woman. It's a very positive move I am seeing in the country at the moment," she says.
She says the world is far better off with stronger women. "The woman is a very strong member of the human race and without her, a lot will not be achieved .... Maybe we haven't even realised and tapped into the level of our strength, the ability, you don't even have to go into high positions. Who runs this economy, who is sustaining it? It's women."
"I am proud to be an African and I am proud to be a Zambian."
Labels: WOMEN
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Remember women freedom fighters, Moyo implores Sata
By Masuzyo Chakwe and Dziko Mwanza
Sat 01 Oct. 2011, 11:20 CAT
TOURISM Ambassador and MDG advocate Marsha Moyo has urged President Michael Sata to also remember the many women who equally diligently served the nation, when renaming various projects.
Moyo thanked President Sata for renaming various airports, a stadium and a hospital after freedom fighters. President Sata renamed Lusaka, Livingstone and Ndola international airports Kenneth Kaunda, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airports respectively.
"In this vein, I urge him to likewise remember the many women who equally have diligently served this nation such as Chibesa Kankasa, Julia Chikamoneka and Mary Fulano," said Moyo.
Moyo congratulated President Sata on his election as the fifth President of the Republic of Zambia and the Patriotic Front on their election victory.
"As we commemorate World Tourism Day (which fell on September, 29), I am grateful to my fellow Zambians for our peaceful conduct exhibited during the just-ended tripartite elections and confident of the positive message this has sent to the rest of the world for Zambia as a tourist destination of choice," she said.
She said she looked forward to rendering her support to the new government's commitment in leading Zambia and its citizens towards prosperity.
Meanwhile, Arts and Cultural Advocates of Zambia (ACAZ) programmes coordinator Jomo Longwe urged youths to use the renaming of Zambia's major airports as a call for them to retrace their cultural roots and appreciate their heritage.
Longwe said today's youths needed cultural awakening to realise that they also had heroes to look up to.
"The renaming of airports is supposed to remind Zambians that they are a people with a history and culture. The role of the arts is to bring meaning to life and the renaming shows that Zambia's heritage is rich," he said.
Association spokesperson Mkango Jere urged youths to use the renaming of airports as a call to originality and Ubuntu.
"We have so many musicians, artists who practice without a cultural frame. Let us remind ourselves of our roots as a people and chant down cultural degradation. Zambians need their culture and they have to protect it," he said.
President Sata's pronouncement adds Zambia to the list of African countries that have named their airports after their prominent personalities such as Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya, Oliver Tambo in South Africa and Ghana's Kotoka International Airport named after General Major Kotoka.
Labels: MARSHA MOYO, MICHAEL SATA, WOMEN
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Malawi’s V/President backs protests
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sun 24 July 2011, 14:14 CAT
MALAWIAN Vice-President Joyce Banda yesterday backed street demonstrations against the despotic rule of President Bingu wa Mutharika, describing the two-day protests as a fulfillment of the people’s constitutional right to associate, assemble and demonstrate. About 18 people have died and over 40 injured, many shot by state police, in nationwide demonstrations that started on Wednesday.
“I regret the loss of life and damage to property that has occurred during and after the demonstrations,” stated Vice-President Banda in response to a press query from The Post yesterday.
Vice-President Banda stated that Malawians were peace-loving people but they had been forced to go to the streets to demonstrate and march because of anger and frustration arising from the persistent shortages of fuel, foreign exchange reserves, hospital drugs and apparent deterioration of governance standards.
“As Vice-President of the country I hear the voices of the people and I relate to the issues being raised and I am sympathetic to the general plight of the people,” Vice-President Banda stated.
Vice-President Banda has been embroiled in a political tussle with President Mutharika, with whom she came to power as his running mate in the 2009 election following the head of state’s attempts to anoint his young brother, Peter, to succeed him by passing her, in the coming 2014 polls.
Vice-President Banda stated that the absence of constructive and positive dialogue might have forced the civil society to resort to public demonstrations.
She stated that the demonstrations were meant to draw government’s attention to challenges the country was currently facing.
“Within my mandate as Vice-President of the Republic, and based on the oath I took to uphold the Constitution, I have from time to time voiced concerns arising from issues currently affecting the country. In all the instances, I have also drawn the attention of government to the adverse effects shortages of fuel and foreign exchange have on the daily life of the majority of Malawians,” Vice-President Banda stated.
She appealed to President Mutharika and his government’s institutions to respect the people’s constitutional right to hold the demonstrations.
She appealed to the Malawi Police to act responsibly, with restraint and ensure public safety and security during the demonstrations Vice-President Banda also appealed to civil society groups and Malawians in general that whilst exercising their constitutional right, they should do so responsibly and peacefully in accordance with requirements governing public order.
Vice-President Banda stated that she noted President Mutharika’s call for calmness and public order made in his national address on Friday.
She called on the government to open up to more constructive and positive dialogue so that Malawians could amicably solve their problems and achieve long-lasting and mutually beneficial results.
“I also asked the government to enter into dialogue with the United Kingdom government following Malawi’s expulsion of the British High Commissioner and have gone further to suggest solutions to the economic and political problems and challenges,” Vice-President Banda stated.
Banda, the first female to become Vice-President of Malawi, was expelled from the President Mutharika-led ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) last December and has since formed a new party, the Peoples Party (PP), which the registrar of political parties is denying to register.
Last month, President Mutharika’s government withdrew security and reduced funding to Vice-President Banda’s office as the duo’s differences widen.
Asked whether or not Malawi was ready for a female President, Vice-President Banda responded:
“In 2009, Malawians demonstrated their confidence in women’s leadership by electing me the country’s first female Vice-President. I am grateful for that honour and privilege to serve my people in this position. I leave it to Malawians to decide if they are ready for a female president in 2014.”
According to Malawi’s Daily Times of Friday July 22, 2011, quoting the Ministry of Health, 18 people had died while scores had been injured.
The police arrested about 162 related to looting and other charges committed during the two-day demonstrations countrywide.
President Mutharika on Friday halted the mass funeral of seven protesters killed in anti-government protests.
Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, DEMONSTRATION, JOYCE BANDA, MALAWI, WOMEN
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Gender inequality not only Africa’s problem, says KK
By Moses Kuwema
Sun 24 July 2011, 14:00 CAT
DR Kenneth Kaunda says the problem of gender inequality is not only in Africa but everywhere around the world.
Speaking when he received a US $10,000 donation from the Lions Club for the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation at his office yesterday, Dr Kaunda said it was not only Africa that had remained behind in getting mothers to do things that they know they are able to do.
“It took a long time for the British to have their women do certain things and so it is not only Africa that has been behind in getting mothers to do things that they know they are able to do but because of what we men think we are. We want to kick them down forgetting that we are in women's wombs for nine months. And when we get out we begin pointing fingers, this woman, this woman,” Dr Kaunda said.
Dr Kaunda said he was proud of District Governor for the Lions club Christine Kasonde adding that he would like her to succeed because her success would mean a lot, not only to Zambia, but the whole of Africa.
And Kasonde said the organisation decided to make the donation to the foundation following their international president’s visit to Zambia, whom she said was impressed with the work Dr Kaunda was doing in fighting HIV and AIDS.
“As you know, when you serve the community, the first thing is service. He (Lions president) was touched and used his powers and pledged US $ 10,000 to help you to proceed with the plans that you have. We are proud as Lions to associate with your foundation,” said Kasonde.
Kasonde said the Lions Club had established itself in rural areas and had facilities to help the Kenneth Kaunda children of Africa Foundation move its programmes.
Labels: KENNETH KAUNDA, WOMEN
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Women’s participation in this year’s elections
By The Post
Tue 12 July 2011, 12:00 CAT
The issue of women’s participation in the politics and political leadership of our country should be on the agenda of this year’s elections.
Women have a full right to become actively involved in all areas of our public life, and this right must be affirmed and guaranteed. And it is pleasing to note that a good number of women are becoming more conscious of their human dignity and are demanding rights to participate in public life.
It is pleasing to see so many women of very high calibre, women with great records of civil and political activism jumping into the political arena to participate in this year’s elections.
It was pleasing to see so many women coming from the leadership of our country’s women’s movement like Sara Longwe, Susan Sikaneta, Inonge Wina, Eileen Imbwae, Sylvia Masebo, Nkandu Luo, among many others, take their rightful place in the activities of our political parties. They have every right to be part of the decision-making processes of our country.
And we hope our political parties will respond favourably and have as many women as possible adopted as parliamentary and local government candidates.
We cannot say much about them being adopted as presidential candidates because this seems to be already settled in all our key political parties. The SADC Protocol on women participation sets a 30 per cent threshold of women participation.
It seems none of our political parties is likely to achieve this in this year’s elections. But credit should be given to those who will show greatest effort in integrating women in the leadership structures of their parties and those who adopt the greatest number of women as candidates.
Women have the right and duty to take part in the political and administrative work of our country.
We say this because women are not being given the full opportunity to make meaningful contributions to national development through participation in political life. Many people, including women themselves, still believe that a woman cannot perform completely in the same way as a man in politics.
This has led to some people never supporting the candidature of women or voting for a woman to be a leader. This deprives our nation of talent to really promote integral development.
Advancement will not go very far unless women are enabled to enjoy the same opportunities as men in the political leadership of our country. Women must be represented at decision-making levels in both economics and politics for us to sustainably achieve our development goals.
We say this because women bring special gifts to the progress of our country. If they are not listened to and are discriminated against or marginalised, then we simply will not have sustainable and equitable progress.
It is therefore important that the leaders of our political parties pledge political action to educate themselves and their members to a more correct view of women and to actively redress the injustices done to women in our politics.
Women must not be treated as mere passive participants in the politics of our country. But they must enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms befitting all citizens in the public life of our country.
The participation of women is of central importance to the future development of our country and should therefore be placed as a campaign issue of this year’s elections.
The participation of women is of central importance to the future development of our nation. We should therefore, as a nation, seek the true empowerment of women to enable them to participate in decision-making processes in our country.
It is obvious to everyone that women are now showing great interest to take part in public life and they will not tolerate being treated as inanimate objects or mere instruments, but claim the rights and duties that befit a citizen.
It is therefore important that all our political parties promote equal opportunity for women’s representation in decision-making by ensuring that as many women as possible are adopted as candidates for this year’s election. True empowering of women enables them to participate in decision-making processes in our country.
A fundamental condition for the establishment of democracy is, therefore, the recognition of the rights of women without any discrimination.
A real democracy has to be built on the basis of justice and has to look to the common good. Democracy rests upon human rights. And the participation of women in the political leadership of their country is a human right.
To promote and guarantee the meaningful participation of our women in politics and the elections that accompany them, more is needed than political institutions.
We must hold to some values and norms, some expectations and aspirations. This is the environment, the atmosphere that will increase the participation of women in the political leadership of our country. The right to participation in governance requires participatory democracy.
Participatory democracy requires, not only democratic structures, but also the reign of democratic values in the hearts and minds of the people. As we have seen over the last 20 years of our multiparty political dispensation, democratic structures without the corresponding democratic values in the hearts and minds of the people are rootless.
There is need for a democratic culture characterised by the respect for the rights of women; the respect of the human rights. Our multipartism indeed favours democracy but cannot always guarantee the full and meaningful participation of women. Clearly, the meaningful participation of women in the political leadership of our country will only be possible if it is based on a correct conception of the human person.
This involves an assessment and integration of our interests on the basis of a balanced hierarchy of values; and ultimately this demands a correct understanding of the dignity and rights of our women, of all our people. And accordingly, if a person has received the necessary talent by the favour of God, that person would fail in their duty if, for selfish motives, the person refuses to take their share in public life and affairs.
Any person who is qualified to become a leader is guilty if she or he refuses the task.
The apathy of potential leaders can bring anarchy to the country, by leaving all the responsibility to inefficient or unworthy people. We all know that we have many competent and worth women who should be given the opportunity and space to participate in the political leadership of our country. But we have not given them meaningful opportunity to do so. This is the time to change things.
And only those who are willing to change should be supported. Only political parties that have accorded women meaningful participation should be supported and voted for. This is a very, very important issue. And let’s make this issue an important campaign issue in this year’s elections.
Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, WOMEN
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Inonge calls on Zambian women to support PF
By George Chellah
Tue 12 July 2011, 12:01 CAT
INONGE Wina says PF is committed to the issue of gender equality in Zambia.
And Wina (left) urged the Zambian women to be relentless in their struggle and support a party that would promote their interests. In an interview, Wina, who is PF national chairperson, called on women countrywide to work with her party to advance their cause.
“I want to restate the position of the PF as a party that is fully committed to the issue of gender equality in Zambia as reflected in its party manifesto,” Wina said.
“PF would like to have the women of Zambia participate fully along their male counterparts in the governance and development of the country similar to what is prevailing in a number of SADC countries that are doing well in this sphere.”
She said the record of PF in advancing gender equality was there for all to see.
“PF had the largest number of women parliamentarians after the 2006 general elections. Credit should also go to the leadership of PF and in particular the PF president Mr Michael Chilufya Sata who has a long track record of promoting gender equality,” Wina said.
“The Zambia national gender policy was piloted under his portifolio. I therefore, call upon the women of Zambia to work together to advance their cause through the PF as it is clear that most of other parties in Zambia have done little to advance the full participation of women in decision-making even in this day.”
She said most of the parastatal boards do not include women.
“I wish to place on record that the days of inciting women to fight each other or to pull each other down is chauvinistic, absolutely archaic, shallow and long gone nizakale,” Wina said.
“Those who thrive on this petty propaganda based on fiction and imaginary illusions should be ignored by right-thinking Zambians, both men and women.”
Wina said the Zambian women should be relentless in their struggle and in supporting a party that would promote their interests.
“Our country will develop faster when women and men participate fully and equitably in all spheres of life. These are the critical issues that need to be debated during the elections,” she said.
Labels: INONGE WINA, PF, WOMEN
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