The Non-governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council, NGOCC, says Zambia must not relent but continue putting up stiff measures to combat Gender Based Violence, GBV, despite the reduction in cases recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
According to Victim Support Unit, 9, 700 GBV cases were recorded countrywide in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 10, 797 recorded during the same period last year, indicating a reduction of 1, 097 cases, translating to 10.2 per cent drop.
But NGOCC Chairperson, Grace Sinkamba, says like-minded organizations should not sit back but heighten efforts toward the campaign against GBV.
“GBV not only negatively affects family life but is also a drain on the country’s resources through loss of productive hours, increased health costs, and unfortunate loss of young lives,” said Ms. Sinkamba in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
She said punishment against all perpetrators of GBV should be stiffened to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders and strengthen the proactive measures to prevent GBV incidences.
Ms. Sinkamba also urged government to establish more Fast Track Courts across the country, especially in hard-to-reach districts to improve access to justice for GBV victims.
“We also would like to reiterate the call on the government to fully operationalize the provisions of the Anti-GBV Act by constructing shelters in all the provinces as well as establishing the GBV Fund,” said Ms. Sinkamba.
By Eva Hatontola
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