Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri (MP) has applauded the police for arresting 38 year old Rodgers Mwanza who is alleged to have sexually harrased a woman in Petauke district.

Ms. Phiri has commended the police for its efforts in ensuring that the rights of women are protected.

She said Gender Based Violence does not only imply inflicting pain on a victim but it also involves emotional abuse which in the long run may cause irreversible damage to the victim.

The Minister has warned that, perpetrators of GBV will not go unpunished for their acts.

She has said that it was inhuman for the man to disrespect a woman in front of a camera especially that she was unconscious.

She has implored the women movements to consider offering psychosocial counseling to the victim and provide necessary help.

The Minister stated that Zambia is making strides in fighting GBV cases and has established GBV fast track courts so to allow for quick disposal of cases.

She said currently there are 2 fast track courts operating in Lusaka and Kabwe while others are being established in Choma, Mongu and Ndola.

She has said that the Ministry of Gender will continue engaging the media, NGOs, the Church, traditional leadership and Civil Society Organizations in fighting GBV.

She said women and children are more vulnerable to GBV than men, therefore it is imperative for everyone to stage a fight against the scourge.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by Gender Liason Officer Mwape Mwenya in Lusaka