Deputy Chairman of Committees of the Whole House, Hon. Mkhondo D Lungu on Monday, 30 November, 2009 addressed Hon. Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly of Zambia during the official opening of the Sensitisation Day to celebrate the commemoration of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender Violence held at Parliament buildings.

29th November, 2009 marked the beginning of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which ends on 10 December, 2009.  Under the theme, “Commit, Act and Demand:  We can end Violence against Women”, several activities were put in place, to celebrate the Sensitisation Day at Parliament buildings.

In his speech, Hon Lungu pointed out that in order to stop violence against women, the focus of attention also needs to be directed towards men.

He said that at international level, demasculinising effects of poverty, economic and social change have gradually eroded the traditional roles of men as providers resulting in an increase in male unemployment; therefore, challenging their identity as bread winners.

And Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs. Doris Mwinga said that the occasion was very important for the National Assembly as it brtogether both Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly in joining the nation as well as the international community in commemorating this important event.

Activities lined up for the day’s programme included, presentations from the Gender in Development Division (GIDD) of the Vice-President’s Office, the Young Christian Women’s Association (YWCA), the Victim Support Unit of the Zambia Police and cultural performances by Afro Dance Group.