– Graca calls for unity among women in Africa

Former South African First Lady Graca Machel – Mandela says women in Zambia should unite in their fight against financial seclusion by financial institutions.

And First Lady Christine Kaseba says  Africa cannot develop without incorporating women participation in economic activities.

Mrs. Mandela says fragmented efforts by women will yield very little results.

She said women groups must merge and come up with one movement that can influence positive change that will result in the growth of businesses run by women.

ZANIS reports that the former South African First Lady was speaking in Lusaka today during the First Lady’s Lunch at Radisson Blu Hotel, today.

Mrs. Mandela said it was regrettable that most businesses run by women were operating on small scale basis which needed financial institutions to design packages suitable for women friendly businesses to enable them grow to medium scale and develop further.

She urged women to aspire for positions that will enable them make decisions that promote their advancement.

Mrs. Mandela is in the country to attend the three day, 3rd African Women’s Economic Summit that officially opens tomorrow at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.

And First Lady Christine Kaseba says  Africa cannot develop without incorporating women participation in economic activities.

In a speech read for her by wife of Vice President Charlotte Scott, the First Lady said financial institutions should help women realize their businesses goals by financing the businesses.

Dr Kaseba said women have continued to be disadvantaged because of the low number of women in decision making positions.

Mrs. Machel is in the country to attend the three day, 3rd African Women’s Economic Summit that officially opens tomorrow at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.