First lady uplifts women

By KALOBWE BWALYA THE Esther Lungu Foundation Trust will continue collaborating with Government and other stakeholders to ensure that women's rights are uplifted and respected, says First Lady Esther Lungu.

Speaking on Tuesday evening when she officiated at a reception to mark International Women's Day in Lusaka, Mrs Lungu urged women to stand firm and defend their rights as they commemorate International women’s Day.

"I’m calling upon women to stand on their feet and defend their rights as they celebrate International Women 's Day, therefore this year's theme encourages women to raise their voices for their rights and the main purpose behind this reason is to celebrate women's achievements and inspire the young generation, " said Mrs Lungu. She said this year's theme: “Time is now: Rural and Urban Activist transforming Women's lives” will help in recognizing strength and solidarity in all activities contributing to the agenda for transforming women's lives.

The First Lady said the day which was being celebrated annually was significant as it accorded the world an opportunity to recall and celebrate women and their contribution to society.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador’s wife, Mme Geng Hailing applauded Zambia for the great achievement made in gender equality and women empowerment programmes.

She thanked Mrs Lungu for spearheading women's rights through her foundation as well as women empowerment programmes which has seen many women's lives uplifted.

She said women in China had been accorded with equal opportunities to education, jobs salaries through legislation.

"With the improved gender equality in China, more and more women are performing well in all sectors of the society even better than men in some cases and all have succeeded in their own profession," She said .