Work place policies can help in GBV fight – Phiri

MATHEWS NDANDULA WRITES@SunZambian THE Gender Based Violence (GBV) fight needs to adopt a survivor centred approach that will see higher gender balance in social, political and economic institutions, Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri has said.The minister notes that although women are increasingly contributing to productivity in the workplace, gender inequality at the workplace still remains an area that needs to be improved.Speaking when officiating at the Work Place 50/50 launch by Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT Zambia) at Sandy’s creation in Chilanga, the minister said that GBV was not only limited to homes but was also experienced at places of work and hence the need to fight the vice.“The country today is still dominated by systems based on patriarchy, a social system based on the belief that men are superior to women and therefore should be given the major decision making power. This system of male authority oppresses women through its social, political and economic institutions. It accounts for the discrimination that women face in the labour market and work places, as well as their limited opportunities to claim their rights as they relate to the world or work,” she said.“My ministry is committed to the fight against gender discrimination, to the mainstream gender in its own work, policies and programs through providing the national leadership and operational structure to guide implementation of interventions that promote gender equality.”Speaking at the same event SAT Zambia country director Lenganji Nanyangwe said research has also shown that gender balanced teams have greater potential for creativity and innovation and contribute to better decision outcomes as GBV happens anywhere including workplaces and communities. Sex discrimination, is a form of discrimination in which a person is treated differently or unfairly on the basis of a person s sex/ gender.And NGOCC acting executive director Mrs. Chilufya Siwale said the initiative will guide strategic plans and provide safe environments at work places.In his speech, ZCTU deputy secretary general Jay Beene said the system of oppression against women must come to an end in the various work places.He has further called on women across the country to support each other and dispel the notion that women cannot work together. The Sun