Stakeholders Commended for River Cleanup and Gender Initiatives
The Government has lauded the coordinated response from stakeholders following the Kafue River pollution earlier this year, highlighting the role of environmental and gender advocacy initiatives in the district.
Speaking at the Annual Gender Equality in Climate Action, Environmental Rights and Natural Resources Recognition event, Lufwanyama District Administrative Officer (DAO), Kasemuka Kanyiki Mwalo, praised the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for convening the symposium, which brought together key actors in environmental protection and gender promotion.
Ms Mwalo noted that Lufwanyama, like many other districts, was affected by the water pollution incident but received timely support from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the Department of Forestry, and other government agencies.
“We are grateful for the collaboration that helped us address the crisis,” Ms Mwalo said. “Today, we are reflecting on the progress made in promoting gender equality through environmental programmes.”
She revealed that the district has developed a programme for the 16 Days of Gender Activism, which had not previously been observed in Lufwanyama, with the launch scheduled for 25th November at Bread of Life Church in the town centre.
Ms Mwalo emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, noting that the church, civil society, youth, and community leaders are all engaged in tackling issues such as gender-based violence, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” she added. “This includes persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.”
Sensitisation campaigns and stakeholder trainings have been rolled out to equip communities with tools to address gender-based violence and enhance access to education and skills training for girls.
The event also recognised Environmental Defenders, including Chieftainess Shimukunami, as part of the SheRise Project implemented by CEJ under the Resilient Women for Climate Action and Environmental Justice initiative, funded by the Carter Centre Foundation. The project has conducted activities in Mukumbo, Kapata, Kankonde, Kamwesha, and Chifumpa areas of Lufwanyama District.
Dalitso Mvula, CEJ Youth and Children Programme Coordinator, paid tribute to the Carter Centre Foundation for its financial support, and highlighted CEJ’s collaboration with Future-Preneurs Zambia and Care for Nature to advance environmental rights and gender equality in the district.
“We appreciate our various partners and stakeholders,” said Ms Mvula. “It is not easy operating in a space where others expect children to be passive, yet they continue to show up and participate meaningfully in our meetings.”
Future-Preneurs Zambia Executive Director, Martin Bwalya Kampamba, also commended Mufulira Municipal Council for adopting recommendations on Constituency Development Funds (CDF) aimed at curbing misuse, reinforcing the importance of accountability and community-driven development.
