Mrs Lungu recognises role of women in national development

—–First Lady, Esther Lungu, says women play an important role in enhancing peace and development in the nation.

Mrs Lungu said this at Kasama Lodge shortly after arrival in Kasama.

She said there is need for concerted efforts in reducing challenges being faced by the womenfolk and protect them from negative vices if the country is to move forward.

Mrs Lungu said vices, such as defilement, rape and other forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV), have robbed the country of women and children full of potential.

The First Lady has since urged women to put God first and promote love, peace and unity in the country.

She has since thanked people in Northern Province for overwhelmingly voting for President Edgar Lungu in the January 20, 2015 Presidential election.

Earlier, Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe, thanked Mrs Lungu for visiting the province.

Mr Sikazwe said some traditional practices in the province are negatively affecting the womenfolk in the region.

He named some of the challenges in the province as early marriages, defilement and GBV.

Mrs Lungu arrived in Kasama over the weekend for a five-day working visit.

She is accompanied by former First Lady, Vera Tembo Chiluba, ministers’ spouses and some PF officials from Lusaka.

During her visit, Mrs Lungu is expected to visit Mbala, Mpulungu, Mungwi and Kasama districts.