The Government of the Republic of Zambia, UNFPA and partners commemorated the 2023 World Population Day and launched the 2023 State of the World Population Report on 25 July 2023, with a call for enhanced action in addressing gender inequality.
The 2023 World Population Day carried the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”, while the 2023 State of the World Population Report is themed "8 Billion Lives, infinite possibilities the case for rights and choices.’’
The two themes highlight the crucial role of gender equality in achieving sustainable development and empowering women and girls to contribute to their full potential.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane reaffirmed the Government of Zambia's commitment to ensuring that citizens live longer, have healthier lives and enjoy more rights and choices than ever before.
"The Government therefore in its pursuit of harnessing Zambia's Demographic Dividend is alive to the fact that advancing gender equality is a cross-cutting solution to many population challenges. It goes without saying that women’s empowerment, through education and access to family planning among others, can bring enormous benefits by way of human capital and inclusive economic growth.’’ Hon. Musokotwane said.
Launching the report, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, reiterated that achieving gender equality is closely linked with progress on other Sustainable Development Goals, particularly towards eliminating poverty, ensuring good health and well-being, and promoting quality education.
"Sadly, today the voices of women and girls are largely absent in matters that directly affect them, thereby limiting their potential to meaningfully contribute to development. Gender equality is even more crucial now when we are at midpoint before the year 2030, which is our deadline for attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.’’ Ms. Mutali said.
Also speaking at the launch, UNFPA Representative Mr. Seth Broekman noted that realizing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all is the foundation for gender equality, dignity and opportunity. He said many women are still uanable to exercise their right to make decisions as fundamental as whether or not to have children; how many and the spacing between their pregnancies.
"While progress has been made, it is estimated that in Zambia approximately 1 in 5 women aged 15-49 (20%) want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using a method of contraception, for a variety of reasons. The Ministry of Health, UNFPA and key partners work hand-in-hand to accelerate the reduction in this unmet need for family planning through mobilizing domestic resources for family planning, strengthening resilient supply chains to improve commodity security and scaling up innovative demand generation for family planning services, among others. Our joint commitment is that this unmet need for family planning is reduced atleast from 20% to 15% by 2027." Mr. Broekman said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka Ms. Kate O’Donnell, called for a strong multi-sectoral and coordinated approach, with commitment from all actors, and driven with determination.
"Gender inequality here in Zambia, as in many countries globally, is persistent and intergenerational. It is accompanied by high rates of sexual and gender based violence, and is perpetuated by negative social norms and structures. We know that gender inequality leads to reduced outcomes for women and girls in terms of health, education and economically. Young girls face multiple obstacles to attain their development potential. And we know that women are under-represented in political and key decision-making fora. Addressing under-representation at all levels is a key component in ensuring that women’s voices are uplifted and heard, and effect change.’’ Ms. O’Donnell said.
