By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) is concerned that the 2024 national budget does not make provision for the constitution review, especially the inclusion of the expanded Bill of Rights.
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Executive Director, Anne Mbewe Anamela, feels that the expanded Bill of Rights remains key for women and children.
Ms. Anamela encouraged Government to consider facilitating for a stand alone national referendum before the 2026 elections.
Reacting to the national budget presented last Friday, she said: “As a women’s movement, we are still concerned that the 2024 budget just like the budgets before remains gender blind.
“We urge the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and the legislature to ensure that national budgets are gender responsive and sensitive taking into consideration the differentiated needs of women, men, girls and boys.”
A particular concern raised by Ms. Anamela was that Government has not made provision for the operationalisation of the Gender Equity and Equality Act, specifically the establishment of a gender commission which is a constitutional imperative.
The NGOCC said it was had hoped that the budget would give an indication on the re-establishment of the Ministry of Gender.
It was also hopeful of a budgetary allocation towards the full operationalisation of the Anti GBV Act, particularly for the establishment of the Anti-GBV Fund as well as the construction of safe houses or shelters as provided for in the Act.
“One of our expectations for this budget was also an allocation to improved community policing given the increasing number of GBV cases.
“As we have always stated, gender equity and equality is not just rhetoric or any other issue but is a development imperative and the national Budget is a key tool in moving forward this agenda,” Ms. Anamela said.
She also made observations on the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector, noting Government’s intent to grow this sector and ensure that it not only adequately contributes to the country’s economy but that it also facilitates diversification of the economy away from mining.
Ms. Anamela noted the allocation of K13.8 billion for the implementation of programmes under the sector.
She, however, raised concernes about the reduction of the allocation to the Farmer Input Support Programme which might negatively affect the number of beneficiaries, especially women as the livelihoods of many women in the rural areas are dependent on farming.
“NGOCC notes the allocated funding for the establishment of three Farming Blocks in Nansenga, Luena and Shikabeta including access roads. We expect that this development will unlock the agriculture potential in these areas and create more opportunities for women and youths,” she said.
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