Central Province Permanent Secretary  Milner Mwanakampwe says government programmes are helping improve the livelihoods of women in the province through economic empowerment and improved social services.

Dr. Mwanakampwe revealed that more than 4,400 women benefited last year from the Supporting Women Livelihood initiative, which provides grants to empower women aged between 19 and 64 living in extreme poverty.

He added that over 13,600 women also received farming inputs under the Food Security Pack Programme to boost crop production and improve household food security.

Speaking during the International Women’s Day commemoration in Serenje under the theme ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ Dr. Mwanakampwe said the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has contributed significantly to development in the province.

Meanwhile, Women’s Lobby Chairperson Ruth Chikamba appealed to political parties contesting the August General Election to place female candidates in constituencies where they have strong chances of winning, as a way of increasing women’s representation in government.