Zambia: Sata Wants Tougher Laws to Protect Women

Lusaka — PRESIDENT Michael Sata has called for tougher legislation to curb all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zambia.

The President has also instructed Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba to take to Parliament appropriate Bills which would stiffen laws against GBV.

Mr Sata further said Christian principles such as love, peace and joy should be the guiding light and reflection in the lives of citizens if the fight against GBV is to be won.

“It is in this spirit that we gather today to pray for love, peace, joy and prosperity to continue abiding in all Zambians and residents alike, concerned that gender based violence goes against our declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

“We are gathered in this Holy place to defend the human rights of men, women, boys and girls whose lives have been turned upside down due to the painful impact of gender based violence which usually manifests in fear, harm, destruction and murder,” Mr Sata said.

Mr Sata was speaking yesterday at that Inter-denominational church service to mark the end of the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against GBV at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross organised by three church mother bodies.

Mr Sata said it was sad that reports of rape, child defilement, spouse battering and murder had found a commonplace in today’s society and unfortunately, the spirit had also crept into the Church.

He said it was also sad that today’s society had some people whose desire was to create fear, harm and destruction of the peace, love and joy that binds society together in respect for human life.

The President said the situation was alarming and required concerted efforts not only from Government but from all stakeholders across Zambia.

Mr Sata who was accompanied by First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba said despite the alarming situation, he was happy that the Church had courage, strength and willpower to stand on firm ground to confront the scourge that had potential to ruin the moral fiber of society.

Mr Sata said Government drew a lot of strength from the support given by the Church in Zambia and was more determined to stand as one to create peace, harmony, joy and love so that every man, woman, boy or girls felt safer at home, outdoors and anywhere at any time.

Read the article:
Zambia: Sata Wants Tougher Laws to Protect Women