Women NGOs call for gender responsive budget

By SITEMBILE SIWAWA

 WOMEN organisations have called for a gender-responsive national budget when Government presents the 2014 budget to Parliament next month.

In response to a press query, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said the 2014 budget is an opportunity to make strides in improving gender equality and empowerment of women who are the majority of the poor.

Ms Ndhlovu said the government should increase allocations to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development (MGCD) so that it is able to operationalise the Anti-GBV Act.

She said clear budget allocations should be made for the creation of the Anti-GBV Act fund and the establishment of shelters for survivors of violence and existing shelters including those run by non-governmental organisations.

She also said "the 2014 budget should be in line with the Abuja Declaration by ensuring allocation of at least 15 percent of the national budget to the health sector."

She said increased allocation to health sector will help in scaling up the health services in all parts of the country.

She also called for allocation for infrastructure development for schools especially boarding schools to reduce the vulnerability of girls who have to rent accommodation close to institutions of learning.

In a separate interview, Women for Change executive director Emily Sikazwe said it was important for Government to formulate a budget that includes the needs of men and women.

Ms Sikazwe said the budget should include needs of men and women because they are partners in development, including sexual reproductive rights and education of women.

"As Women for Change, our expectations are to see a budget that will include costs for a referendum for the constitution," she said.

Ms Sikazwe said the budget should address food security as poverty levels are high among women.

Meanwhile, Nkumbu Mulenga a charcoal trader of Chainda said the government should increase allocation to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development towards the provision of empowerment of funds for women.

If women are able to access this funding, it will have a direct impact on reducing poverty among women and increase household food security.

She said when many women access funds it will reduce vulnerability to the violation of their rights.