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*GOVERNMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH NGOCC IN DROUGHT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAMME*

Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has announced a possible collaboration with the Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), in the drought response programme.

The collaboration aims to address the pressing issues of food security and women empowerment as a result of crop failure, through the implementation of a comprehensive emergency response that incorporates women’s participation in the wetland cropping component for winter maize production.

This came to light during a courtesy call on the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs. Doreen Mwamba, by the NGOCC team led by its Board Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sinkamba.

The Minister acknowledged that there have been some operational gaps in terms of women’s collaboration with regard to empowerment programmes which should be addressed as a matter of urgency to enhance developmental partnerships at various levels not only to ensure access to food but also to empowerment of women in vulnerable communities through the winter cropping programme.

Mrs. Mwamba further said government and NGOCC can maximize resources, and expertise, and make a more significant impact on the lives of those affected by the current drought through emergency food distribution, agricultural support, literacy training for women, and community empowerment initiatives.

She said the declaration of a national emergency by President Hakainde Hichilema, should therefore mark a new beginning in terms of collaboration between government and women organizations in pursuit of women empowerment, gender equality and an end to abuse of women.

Mrs Mwamba has also proposed the holding of a women’s indaba to create a platform for women across the country to dialogue on issues affecting them, and how to find solutions to various challenges such as early marriages, gender inequality, and women empowerment among others.

The Minister has also proposed holding monthly meetings with NGOCC, to measure programme implementation progress on empowerment and women-related matters.

And NGOCC Board Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sinkamba, has welcomed the collaboration which she said is long overdue, considering the developmental and empowerment gaps affecting women in the country.

She said in the absence of a Ministry dedicated to women’s affairs, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is key and integral in addressing issues affecting women which the government is addressing through the provision of various social protection programmes.
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