16 Days of Activism News from Zambia: 1 December


Date: December 1, 2004
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Scores of inter-faith denomination members, politicians, gender activists, government officials and ordinary Zambians gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka to participate in the Candle Light ceremony to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. President Mwanawasa attended the event that was characterised by hymns, solemn music and grief.

News from Zambia
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
1st December 2004
By Brighton Phiri
Zambia Media Watch

Scores of inter-faith denomination members, politicians, gender activists, government officials and ordinary Zambians gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka to participate in the Candle Light ceremony to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. President Mwanawasa attended the event that was characterised by hymns, solemn music and grief.

In his address, President Mwanawasa said HIV was capable of reversing the gains of 40 years of Zambia’s independence if left uncontrolled and allowed to decimate the very core group of our reproduction – women and girls.

He said statistics show that women in Zambia continue to be infected at a higher rate than men. He observed that women’s biological make up, coupled with the trend of young women having relationships with older and earlier onset of sexual activity in women, made them more vulnerable to infection.

Testifying about her HIV positive status, NZP+ member Estella Mbewe said despite the 40 years of independence the country has achieved, women still remained dependant on men. She said there was need for women to be independent to reduce their dependence on men.

Sports, Youth and Child development Minister Gladys Nyirongo said many women and girls are forced to have sex. She observed that many women and girls admit that they are not able to choose when and with whom they are having sex. According to the 2003 Zambia Sexual Behaviour Survey, nearly 16 per cent of women indicated that they had been forced to have sex.

Other organisations that took part were in the ceremony were included churches, the Health Association of Zambia, NGOs, Zambia Police, various youth organisations, Zambia Media Watch and school children’s clubs.

World AIDS Day this year is being commemorated under the theme “Women, Girls and HIV.”

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