By CHINOYI CHIPULU
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed sadness on the rise of sexual defilement and Gender Based Violence cases in the country.
NGOCC Executive director Engwase Mwale said in a statement that it is sad to see the cases increasing despite vigorous awareness campaigns.
Ms Mwale said that the increased defilement cases are especially involving children, are symptomatic of deeply rooted moral and psychological catastrophe in the country.
She said that it is concerning eventuality that should rob many Zambian citizens of their sleep.
“We are saddened over the barbaric and evil nature of the defilement of a two-year old girl in Kanyama Compound by a-53 year old man. It is inconceivable how that man can think of forcing himself on a girl aged two.
“This trend seems to be continuing even after the sad death of a three-day- old “Baby Queen” of Luwingu District, and many others whose lives have been cut short in similar circumstances over the years,” she said.
She said that many other women are similarly needlessly losing lives at the hands of intimate partners – with the latest being Anetty Lutanda of Chifunabuli District.
“NGOCC also condemns the incident in Chifunabuli area of Mpika where a wife, Salome Mwila is alleged to have killed the husband, Julius Mwila, after a marital dispute,” read part of the statement.
She said violence of any nature should be condemned whether perpetrated by a man or woman.
“Clearly all current efforts to root out this evil in our society are proving inadequate and as a country, time has come for all of us to rise in a more concerted manner to find lasting resolve to this persistent evil hand,” she said.
Ms Mwale said Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is not only criminal but an affront and a violation of the human rights of victims and survivors.
“Unfortunately, in many ways than one, our communities have witnessed this heinous crime fall heavily on our young girls and children who are no longer safe anywhere.
“Surely, society owes it to these promising and yet so vulnerable souls to seriously redress this debilitating trend and give hope to the many such silent voices,” she said.
She said SGBV of any form must be condemned.
“It is NGOCC’s hope and conviction that as a country we can all stand up and consciously deal with the increasing cases of SGBV,” she said.
