Africa summit to benefit Zambia's women

By SITEMBILE SIWAWA

FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba says the 3rd African Women's Economic Summit which Zambia will host in July this year will inspire change for Zambian women.

The summit scheduled for July 24 to July 26 in Lusaka is the first to be held in southern Africa.

The summit, under the theme: "African Women Realising Africa's Economic Potential", will bring together key stakeholders in the financial sector throughout Africa as well as influential global leaders.

Speaking at a pre-summit luncheon in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Kaseba said the event will be an opportunity for women to accelerate their achievements, especially those in rural areas.

The luncheon was hosted by Dr Charlotte Scott, wife of Vice-President Guy Scott who was also in attendance at Government House.

Dr Kaseba said rural women have continued to face financial constraints and lack of access to land.

"There is so much that women can do to contribute to the economic growth of this nation, especially the agriculture sector.

"Time is ripe to engage women in the financial sector by hosting this prestigious event and this will put the country on the world map as we are the first to host it in southern Africa," Dr Kaseba said.

And Special Gender envoy at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Geraldine Fraiser Moleketi said there is need to initiate ways of addressing financial inclusion for women.

Ms Moleketi said AfDB has provided K2.4 million for the summit and called on other stakeholders to contribute towards it.

Minister of Gender and Child Development Inonge Wina assured that Government is ready to provide the leadership and resources to ensure that the summit is successful.

Ms Wina said the summit will give an opportunity to Zambians to showcase their skills in managing and hosting high-profile events.

She said: "We must all prepare for this summit knowing too well that the world is anxious to hear about the developments and successes before, during and after the summit."

Several corporates pledged financial and service support to the summit with Zamtel promising K55 million and Trade Kings K35 million.