Govt says many middle-aged women die of GBV

—–Government in Mongu district of Western Province has disclosed that 70 per cent of women between the ages of 15-45 die as a result of Gender Based Violence (GBV) which is inflicted on them by their intimate partners, families and the community at large.

Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mwangala Liomba, said GBV has become an enemy to the nation robbing the joy in many homes making it difficult to talk about development at any level.

Mr Liomba added that the aim of government is to empower both men and women with the ability to end and stop GBV at house level in any form, adding that there is need to involve God as so that all efforts in fighting GBV are not in vain.

He was speaking during the National Inter-Denomination GBV prayers held at United Church of Zambia All Saints in Mongu District under the theme ‘’From peace in the home, to peace in the nation: stop GBV, empower women and men’’.

Meanwhile opening the Inter-Denomination prayers at UCZ All Saint Church, Rev Alex Chikwanda of the same Church said in order to stop GBV, Churches and traditional leaders must talk about early marriages not only focusing on culture alone.

The inter-denominational prayer service was attended by different Heads of Government Departments, non-governmental organizations, various Churches, political party leaders and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE).