WOMEN, YOUTH ADOPTIONS CHEER NGO

By MULENGA MUSONDA A Civil society organisation in Southern Province is elated by the number of women and youths adopted for political positions in the run up to the August 12 general elections. Speaking in an interview after touring Gwembe and Monze, Gender Justice Executive Director Collins Mumba, said  the marginalised in society who are women and youths for the first time have an opportunity to participate in governance issues by taking up political positions in their parties. Mr Mumba who was touring the districts with support from The  Jimmy Carter Centre said, this is a move in the right direction  as enshrined in the constitution and other international treaties that Zambia subscribes to. “As Gender Justice we commend the Cartre Center for advancing youths and women rights in political governance in Zambia especially in Monze and Gwembe were this project is being implemented,” said Mumba. Mr Mumba noted that for the first time since Zambia became independent out of the total 16 wards in Gwembe, the  district has adopted eight women and youths in the local government positions with others vying for parliamentary seats. “We thank the Carter Centre for financial support which has realised the inclusion of women and youths in decision making positions in the two districts,” said Mr Mumba.