the un system in zambia has challenged banks in the country to take an affirmative action in addressing issues which have continued to hinder women from equal access to finances. meanwhile the un has disclosed that the gender inequality index which reflects gender based inequalities in three dimensions namely reproductive health, empowerment and economic activity has improved from 0.75 percent in 2010 to 0.62 percent this year.
un resident coordinator kanni wignaraja says the banks which are part of the private sector must ensure that they take an affirmative action through a progressive quota system to enable women have equal access to credit.
mrs. wignaraja has stressed that the improvement in the gender inequality index is due to the reduction in the maternal mortality rate and in adolescent fertility rate but the country still has a long way to go.
mrs. wignaraja was speaking in lusaka during the gender and business breakfast meeting dubbed a view from the top.
she has stated that the private sector namely banks and other stakeholders need to have concerted joined up efforts for the country to see a significant improvement to take place in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
and speaking at the same function africa development bank resident representative dr freddie kwesiga said the bank has a programme which was launched in 2004 called africa women in business initiative.
and dr kwesiga has further called on regulators and policy makers to fully understand the plight faced by women within the business realm as it will generate policies that could result in inclusive gender friendly regulations
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