The Zambian Parliamentary Caucus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) participated at the 56th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (Population, Education and Sustainable Development) from 10th to 14th April 2023 in New York, with a renewed commitment to enhanced the role Parliamentarians towards inclusive, quality and equitable access to education.

Represented by the Caucus Vice Chairperson Hon. Mutinta Twaambo and Secretary General Hon. Sunday Chanda, the Caucus participated in the Opening Session, General Debate and Side Events, and Expert Panel Discussions on the Reports of the Secretary General.

During the Session, the Parliamentary Caucus affirmed its position that in order to harness the Demographic Dividend, Zambia must continue investing in efforts to prevent child marriage and teenage pregnancy, through the implementation of cultural sensitive and age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), life skills and health education.

The Parliamentary Caucus further acknowledged the role of the SRHR Partners working with the Parliamentary Caucus in Zambia (UNFPA, UNESCO, UNAIDS, PPAZ, SAfAIDS and Centre for Reproductive Health and Education) among others.

Further, in presenting Zambia’s Country Position Paper at the CPD opening session, Ms. Lois Mulube Acting Permanent Secretary – Planning and Administration, noted that currently, Zambia has one of the fastest growing populations in the world of 3.4 percent per annum, with a predominantly youthful population. In this regard, Zambia is focusing on attaining the Demographic Dividend by investing in changing its age structure and in human capital development.

“Zambia is making more strategic investments in the reproductive health and education sector to meet national education and development targets. To address the inadequate skills the government is implementing various youth skills development programmes by implementing strategies aimed at keeping children in school up to completion. These include free education, re–entry policy, school feeding, reproductive health, and economic empowerment for sustainability. In addition, the Government is reinforcing its efforts of preventing child marriage and enhancing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to curb teenage pregnancies” she said.