By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Musokotwane Compassion Mission Zambia (MCMZ) says the country’s current deteriorating child protection values must be a source of concern for both government and stakeholders.
Commenting on the Zambia Police Service’s fourth quarter Gender Based Violence report, Musokotwane Compassion Mission Zambia (MCMZ) Executive Director, Sibbuku Genious Musokotwane says escalating violence against women and girls in the fourth quarter report are worrying.
Mr Musokotwane said that while this is attributed to the effects of Covid-19, therefore the situation calls for government and stakeholders to immediately formulate effective strategies to address Gender Based Violence amidst the pandemic.
Mr Musokotwane has advised that there is urgent need to equip the Zambia Police Service – Victim Support Units and Child Protection Units in districts with transport in order to have them operate to their full capacity.
He said that this will reduce the current challenges that the departments go through in addressing Gender Based Violence at grassroots level.
Mr Musokotwane has called on government to deliberately create grants funding for Mass communication and in kind support such as transport to local concepts driven projects by grassroots organizations and traditional leaders to address their own problem.
Mr Musokotwane also reminded the country and government that Zambia has a lot to lose if it relents in the fight against violence against women and girls as it threatens its developmental commitment without leaving anyone behind.
