By JOSIAH MPOFU
FISHERIES and Livestock Minister Peter Kapala says Government through the Women Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) has procured an irrigation equipment for Ipombwe Women Group of Chifunabuli, with capacity of irrigating over 20 hectares.
“The Gender Division through WEEP has procured an irrigation equipment for Ipombwe Women Group in Kapeshi Ward in Chief Mwansakombe Chiefdom of Chifunabuli district, with capacity of irrigating over 20 hectares. Additionally, 103 women have received sponsorship under skills development and 174 girls have been enrolled for secondary school Bursaries,” Mr Kapala noted.
Mr Kapala explained that government recognises the challenges women and girls face daily to raise communities and families. However, as Chifunabuli district we have seen a very progressive approach towards improving the livelihoods of our women and girls through several interventions. Currently, out of 15,429 total number of social cash transfer beneficiaries, 11,735 are women. Meanwhile, out of 10,180 beneficiaries on Emergency Cash Transfer, 7,219 are women and 63 women groups have been empowered with Constituency Development Fund (CDF) grants and loans since 2022.
He further disclosed that over 24,000 women in Chifunabuli district, Luapula Province have benefitted from various government empowerment programmes.
Mr Kapala urged women in the country to take advantage of various initiatives, CDF and other related empowerment programmes to improve their lives for resilient communities to better their lives.
He stated that government remains committed to implement and develop policies that ensures equality and empowerment for every woman and girl in Zambia.
And Chifunabuli District Social Welfare Officer Ruth Kamanga disclosed that over 16,000 women that received grants from government have engaged in livestock, fisheries and crop production.
Ms Kamanga observed that many women especially widows are now able to take care of their families through the money derived from investing in fish and goat farming.
Meanwhile, a Social Cash Transfer beneficiary, Beatrice Mwape, has appreciated government for transforming her family’s living standard.
Ms Mwape noted that previously when she gets money for Social Cash Transfer, she could use it only for consumption, but after undergoing training on financial literacy by government, she was now able to engage in goat and pig production.
Ms Mwape no longer depends on Social Cash Transfer as she has an alternative source of income.
The move by government to empower women is a huge milestone in driving social progress as well as contributing to more sustainable and resilient communities. –NAIS
