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The Non-Governmental Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) in North western province has applauded Barrick Lumwana mine for coming up with programmes that are aimed at empowering women economically.
North-western province NGOCC coordinator Mable Mugala said it is gratifying to note that the mining company has identified itself with the women in the area and help improve their living standards.
Ms Mugala said a number of achievements have been made in Lumwana by women entrepreneurs who have benefitted from programmes such as the young women’s dairy initiative, the agri food innovation and the literacy and savings led village banks among others.
She said this in Kyabankaka area in Solwezi district yesterday during women’s day celebrations sponsored by Barrick Lumwana mine under the theme: “Inspiring change: celebrating God’s favour on 50 years of women’s excellent achievement.
Ms Mugala said the stance taken by the mine in uplifting the status of women is commendable and should be emulated by other firms operating in the area.
And speaking earlier in a speech read for him by Sustainability Manager Brenda Tambatamba, Barrick Lumwana mine General Mmanager Bill MacNevin said the mining company realizes that it is part of the solution to the many challenges that women are facing and will therefore continue seeking best practices to maximize women’s participation in the mine’s business.
Mr MacNevin said currently the mine was offering empowerment opportunities for women and girls in a bid to tackle challenges such as poverty, inequality and gender based violence.
Meanwhile, Solwezi District Commissioner Crispin Likando said women are faced with a lot of challenges that need to be eliminated for them to be inspired and have a change for a better life.
Mr Likando said government recognizes the important role that chiefs play in providing a conducive environment for women and would therefore continue relying on them to help fight negative vices such as GBV and early marriages that hinder women participation in development.
