Transforming Lives in Zambia: A Pioneering Partnership for Change

In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to change and progress, Community Development Minister Honourable Doreen Sefuke Mwamba embarked on a transformative journey to the Northern Province of Zambia. The mission was twofold, starting with a courtesy call to the Provincial Minister of Northern Province, Leonard Mbao, followed by a pivotal event marking the closure of the Natwampane project in Mungwi.

The courtesy call opened with an address from Provincial Minister Leonard Mbao, who warmly welcomed Minister Mwamba to the Northern Province. In a heartfelt speech, Minister Mbao expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable collaboration between government and cooperating partners. The program under discussion, the Natwampane Project, was lauded for its significant success in the province. Minister Mbao shared his delight in the program's outcomes, particularly in the way it has contributed to achieving Zambia's Vision 2030, striving to create a society free from the vices that have persisted for generations.

The Provincial Minister underscored the importance of embracing best practices in a world that has become a global community. He emphasized the need to respect the sanctity of life, emphasizing that life is a precious gift from God himself. Despite the successes, there was a tinge of sadness as the program neared its end. Minister Mbao acknowledged the collective efforts to extend the program but emphasized the need to gracefully accept its closure.

He offered gratitude for the resources and knowledge shared through the project, highlighting the immeasurable value of knowledge. For him, knowledge is a lifelong asset that can transform lives and communities. Minister Mbao assured that the Northern Province was fully prepared to ensure that the legacy of the Natwampane Project lives on. The technology and training provided through the program are now at their disposal, and they are determined to make the most of these resources to continue improving the lives of their citizens.

Moreover, Minister Mbao called for the establishment of one-stop centers at health facilities across the province to address and ultimately end the crisis of gender-based violence. The vision is to move towards a civilized, 21st-century society, free from such afflictions.

The Honorable Minister also stressed the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Health to ensure the success of these programs. As the proceedings concluded, he reiterated the commitment to creating a lasting impact and expressed hope that their partners would witness the program's legacy as a flourishing tree in the years to come.

Following Minister Mbao's passionate address, it was Minister Doreen Sefuke Mwamba's turn to address the distinguished gathering. She began her speech by extending a warm good morning to everyone present, acknowledging the Provincial Minister, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary, District Commissioners, Directors from the Ministry of Social and Community Development and Social Services, world vision, the Natwampane project, EU delegation, gender division, and joint programs.

Minister Mwamba shared her recent experience in New York, where she presented a paper on Zambia's status regarding early child forced marriages. This presentation brought to light the critical issues of gender-based violence and human trafficking that urgently needed to be addressed. She discussed her Ministry's mandate, drawn from Gazette Notice No. 11, 2023, of 2021, which empowers them to provide and facilitate social protection programs across the country.

The Minister highlighted the remarkable growth her Ministry has witnessed, going from assisting 700,000 people with social cash transfer to an impressive 1.3 million households, serving 6.9 million Zambians. She emphasized their commitment to protecting children's welfare and the establishment of child courts and friendly child courtrooms to ensure justice for young citizens.

Minister Mwamba acknowledged the issue of gender-based violence and pledged to work closely with partners to end it. She expressed the need for the Ministry to amend and repeal certain legislation to eradicate gender-based violence in Zambia. The Minister passionately called for more significant efforts, recognizing that despite their many cooperating partners, the impact is still smaller than the scale of the issue.

The highlight of her speech was the commitment to making a change, ensuring that the programs reach those who need it most. She emphasized the need for the district commissioners to take responsibility for identifying potential cases of gender-based violence and escalating them to the appropriate authorities, including the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

In conclusion, Minister Mwamba made a poignant plea to end gender-based violence and expressed her determination to prevent the unnecessary deaths of women due to violence. She called for collective efforts to create a society free from such atrocities.

The event in Northern Province was not just a courtesy call or a project closure but a profound moment of commitment and determination to transform lives in Zambia, setting the stage for a brighter and safer future for all its citizens.