The Campaign In Schools

I Care About Her! Campaign Launched In Schools

Oxfam has partnered with the Forum For African Women Educationists of Zambia (FAWEZA) with the aim of rolling out the campaign to schools. The project was officially launched on 24 April 2014 by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Mr. Chishimba Nkosha at Lusaka Secondary School.

Mr. Nkosha said that the challenge of gender based violence was real and the campaign is useful in bringing on board boys and men as champions for girls rights and their participation in education. He said, “it is time for our communities and all the stake holders to demonstrate the commitment to change the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs not just in word but also in action”. He said that he was very happy that the campaign was targeting boys as they will eventually become men and through the campaign, they will develop positive attitudes that will protect girls from the risk of rape, early pregnancies and child marriages. 

 

Addressing the boys, Oxfam Country Director, Mrs Nellie Nyang’wa said, “boys you are going to be men in 10 years and we expect you to be positive change agents. We believe in you and we are committed to providing you with the support you need”.  She also thanked the Zambian government particularly the Ministry of Gender and Zambia Police for their support in implementing the campaign.

And FAWEZA Board Chairperson Lillian E.L. Kapulu urged civil society organisations to be innovative in order to protect girls and ensure their participation in education.