GBV decreases in Western Province

Western Province has recorded a decrease in gender based violence cases.

Western Province Young Women’s Christian Association Regional Coordinator Sandra Maputa disclosed that the province recorded 966 GBV cases in 2012 and 780 in 2013 which she said is a step in the right direction.

Mrs Maputa said Mongu and Kalabo Districts still remain a challenge as most cases emanate from the two districts of the province.

She added that her organisation is committed to addressing women’s grievances and creating awareness among women and the public on social injustices against women.

Mrs Maputa said there is need to expose adverse effects of GBV and promote women’s participation in the issues of society as a whole.

And Mrs Maputa has attributed the women dependency syndrome on men as most women were withdrawing GBV cases against their spouses as most of them depend on their husbands for survival.

She added that most culprits of GBV cases go unpunished as most women cannot afford to fend for themselves.

But Mrs Maputa however said that YWCA was putting measures in place in order to support women and GBV survivors through economic empowerment and entrepreneurship skills so that they are able to stand on their own and support their families.

She added that 40 women have so far been trained under fire light programme, saying most of them are progressing well though a few were still limping.

YWCA was introduced in Zambia in 1957 with view of making Zambia a peaceful and gender sensitive country with opportunities for a better quality of life for all.