By JACKSONM MAPAPAYI
ABOUT 27 Gender Based Violence (GBV) victims in Kalumbila have been empowered with K54, 000 by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Kalumbila District Commissioner, Robinson Kalota, said that Government was working with the United Nations (UN) agencies such as the ILO to reduce poverty amongst victims of GBV.
He said this during the handover of the start-up kits to the victims of GBV.
“In the quest to reduce poverty amidst the GBV victims, the Zambian Government in conjunction with UN joint programmes on GBV has provided the start-up funds under the Get Ahead for Women in Enterprise…
“I am glad to mention that the ILO, which is a UN agency, supplemented the much needed logistical support,” Mr Kalota said.
Mr Kalota explained that the programme was being implemented through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services under the department of community development in the district.
He said the 27 GBV survivors had been trained in various entrepreneurships by staff from the department of community development.
“Let me state here that each beneficiary is to receive K2, 000 as start-up capital to help them start up various entrepreneurship businesses such as buying and selling beans, maize and vegetables as well as rearing chickens and many more,” he said.
Mr Kalota commended ILO for the support of K54, 000 rendered to the GBV survivors in Kalumbila district as well as the active role played by Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in the programme.
He urged the community in the area to be vigilant and report all cases of GBV to the nearest relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Kalumbila District Community Development Officer, Ritah Makupa urged beneficiaries to put the money to good use.
“I want to urge you our able women to go and plough back this money, invest it very well,” she said.
And speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Theresa Kabinji thanked Government and ILO for the empowerment.
She said the start-up capital would help the women to contribute to economic development at district and national level.
Ms Kabinji however appealed to Government and ILO to provide more training in entrepreneurship.
