Zambia: The Achievement of Significantly Impactful Gender Transformation Hinges upon the Inclusive Engagement of Both Genders. The Realization of Gender Equity Imperatively Entails the Deliberate Recognition of Distinct Perspectives, Experiences, Obstacles, and Requirements of Men and Women.
Against this background, the Air Power Ladies Club Patron, Sharmane Barry, called on Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Livingstone personnel to take a stand, raise their voices, and address the challenges that threaten the fabric of society.
Barry was speaking during a workshop organized by the ZAF Gender Directorate in Livingstone on 16 August 2023.
“We live in a world where injustice, violence and ignorance often overshadow the progress we strive for. Together we can bring about a transformative change that upholds the values of compassion and dignity for all,” Barry said.
She explained that Gender Based Violence was a pressing issue that needed to be addressed and described it as a tragic reality for millions of individuals, predominantly women. She said women often endure physical, emotional and sexual abuse on a daily basis and that this was a violation of fundamental human rights.
Barry pledged to see that perpetrators of gender based violence are brought to book. She said ending the cycle of violence was a collective responsibility of society.
The Patron appealed for creating an environment of respect, consent and equality to empower survivors and dismantle the systems that perpetuate such atrocities.
Apart from Gender Based Violence (GBV), the workshop also addressed other prominent issues such as Drug Abuse, Health, Security, Financial Management, Retirement, State Acts and Etiquette.
The Patron paid tribute to the ZAF Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry, for his Command’s support to the Air Power Ladies Club. Some of the speakers at the workshop included Brig Gen Given Tuba, Lt Col Chanda Katebe and Lt Col Jacqueline Milanzi, to mention but a few.