Launch of GRZ-UN Joint programme on GBV phase II

On 2 December 2020, the Honourable Minister of Gender, Ms Elizabeth Phiri, MP, launched the Government of Zambia-United Nations Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence Phase II aimed at helping Zambia eradicate Gender Based Violence with funding from the governments of Sweden and Ireland. The launch was held with strict adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as only having a few in-person attendees, social distancing, handwashing and wearing of masks.

Other guests, including the Ambassador of Sweden to Zambia, Ms Anna Maj Hultgård and the Ambassador of Ireland to Zambia Mr. Séamus O'Grady followed the event virtually. Ms Hultgård made remarks on behalf of programme donors. Others that spoke at the launch are Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender Dr Sastone Silomba, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio, UNDP Resident Representative Mr Lionel Laurens and Executive Director for the National Legal Clinic for Women Ms Mandy Manda.

The joint programme, which will run from 2019-2022 will be implemented through the Ministry of Gender with the collaboration of five UN Zambia agencies namely ILO, IOM, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF [listed in alphabetical order] and a diverse range of stakeholders including civil society, private sector, traditional leaders, political representatives and community-based organizations. The newly launched intervention builds on and consolidates the gains made in the Government of Zambia-United Nations Joint Programme Phase I (2012 - 2017).