The Sunday News
Ngonidzashe Chiutsi Sunday News Correspondent
SPOUSE inheritance is now an archaic practice and women should discard it as it violates their rights, Binga women have been told.
Speaking at the belated International Women’s Day celebrations held at Binga’s Kariyangwe Mission hospital last week, Chief Siansali, urged women to refuse being forced into marriages with their husband’s relatives.
“With the new constitution in place you now have the power to refuse to be inherited. Long back it was said that when a husband dies his relatives should take over the wife but now it’s your right to refuse,” said Chief Siansali at the function that was attended by close to 2 000 people.
The traditional leader urged parents in the area to send their children to school regardless of their sex.
“Let’s have girl children also sent to school. Don’t say girls should not go to school because you want them to assist you with house chores. You should get school fees for both boys and girls. If all our children are not educated there is no development,” he said.
The chief also advised girls to desist from rushing into marriage before they complete their education.
“I want to urge young girls not to fall pregnant while at school. To parents here, we should not just say when a child gets to Grade Seven she should then get married. Let them complete their education,” said Chief Siansali.
Chief Siansali, who is also a senator, urged victims of domestic violence to report perpetrators of violence to police. He bemoaned the fact that women report abusive husbands only to withdraw the cases before they are finalised in the courts.
“Don’t protect perpetrators of violence because this is going to worsen the domestic violence. Let the perpetrators of violence face the full wrath of law,” said the chief.
Chief Siansali said women should now be grateful that there was a new constitution which seeks to economically empower them.
“We have the new constitution which empowers you women to occupy higher offices and what is needed here is your commitment and courage to occupy those jobs,” he said.
Chief Siansali, however, said the coming of the new constitution should not influence them to abandon their culture.
“Even with this new constitution in place, we should uphold our cultural norms and values. No matter how educated you are, you should respect your husband. He is your husband and father of your children,” said Chief Siansali.
Speaking at the same occasion, the guest of honour, Binga district administrator Mrs Lydia Banda Mbethi said Government was making strides to empower women.
“To empower women, The Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development is currently disbursing loans and has disbursed up to $2 819 246,49 to women projects through POSB. The loan facility is for a maximum period of 12 months at an interest of 10 percent per annum.
“This is in response to the women’s plight. Most women in business lack capital as well as collateral. The facility allows women in business to form groups whose members can guarantee each other. It serves as a substitute of the traditional collateral required by most of the financial institutions which most women do not have,” said Mrs Banda.
Mrs Danisa Mudimba, one of the organisers of the event, said rural women were involved in projects such as the exploitation of local plants which include baobab, marula, moringa and ilala (palm) trees.
