The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development says the increase in fuel prices in Zambia will likely cause stress on finances in families hence act as a trigger to Gender Based Violence, (GBV).
The Energy Regulation Board ERB increased fuel prices for the month of May 2024, with Petrol costing K35.56 ngwee per litre from K31.12 ngwee in April, while Diesel increased from K28.78 ngwee to K29.62 ngwee per liter.
Commenting on the development, Men’s Network National Coordinator, Nelson Banda, said the high cost of fuel will increase the cost of living which will lead to economic hardships at household level and hence escalate GBV.
He said this is because families will be under pressure to meet the daily demands to survive in what he called a poor performing economy.
“The high cost of fuel also has the potential to defeat the fight against GBV as many institutions that are working to end the vice will find it difficult to carry out their outreach programs due to the fuel increase,” said Mr. Banda in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Meanwhile, the Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council, NGOCC, is concerned that the hiked fuel prices and the hiked ZESCO tariffs will inflict further pressure on the cost of living in Zambia.
Apart from the increased fuel prices for the Month of May 2024, ZESCO tariffs increased from 40 ngwee to 44 ngwee per kilowatt, per hour, for domestic consumers and from 67 Ngwee to 78 Ngwee per kilowatt, per hour, for commercial use.
NGOCC Chairperson, Grace Sinkamba, therefore says the increase in fuel prices and in ZESCO tariffs will increase the cost of doing business and eventually frustrate the rebuilding of the economy.
“The cost of living and operational costs for not-for-profit organizations are already too high and far beyond the reach of most citizens especially the most vulnerable, female headed households,” said Ms. Sinkamba.
She said the anticipated increase in the poverty levels will impact more on women and children.
Ms. Sinkamba said government should therefore intervene to mitigate the effects of the price increments against the most vulnerable, small, and medium enterprises and many other organizations contributing to making Zambia a better place even as they are working to repair the economy.
By Eva Hatontola
