His Worship the Mayor Mr. Remmy Kalepa and Solwezi Municipal Council Town Clerk Mr. Stanley Mbewe yesterday attended the Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ZEITI) Workshop where the 2023 ZEITI Report was reviewed, highlighting payments made by mining companies to government to promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
Speaking at the event, Northwestern Province Permanent Secretary Col. Grandson Katambi (rtd.) said there is need for stakeholders in the private sector and government to work together to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector for the benefit of all Zambians.
He added that Zambia is endowed with minerals other than Copper which have the potential to change the lives of many Zambians through economic development.
Also present at the workshop was Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mrs. Dorcas Mainga Kabika who said government regards the mining sector as a critical partner in the development of Zambia’s economy through job creation and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.
Mrs Kabika noted that the country has made noteable strides in attaining gender equality however, the number of women participating and benefiting in the mining sector has continued to be low.
The Gender Division Permanent Secretary called on the Mining sector to consider more women to participate in mining activities in all aspects, which includes providing access to mining licenses, adequate information, access to financial income, among others, while encouraging the women to be available and gender focused so that they are considered.
Mrs Kabika also emphasised the need for women to adequately procure basic mining equipment while eradicating cultural norms that hinder women from participating in the mining sector.
She stressed that government recognizes the important role women play in the mining sector hence the creation of the Gender Division under Cabinet Office which stands to promote gender equality and equity in various sectors.
Issued by
Esther Chirwa
Assistant Public Relations Manager
01/02/2024
