The theme for the 2008 national budget is “unlocking resources for economic empowerment and wealth creation”. I believe the economic empowerment is for both men and women. Furthermore, in order to achieve our vision to be a prosperous middle income country by 2030, both women and men must be empowered equally. Women must not be left behind in the drive to this vision. I recognize the creation of the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development, as a deliberate effort by the Government to ensure that the needs of women are addressed. Let me also take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts by our cooperating partners in the financing of activities promoting gender equality. This is evident by the number of non governmental organizations looking at women’s issues, some of whom are represented here today. Ladies and Gentlemen, when we talk about financing, we must focus on the institutions through which most of this financing is channeled namely, financial service providers, most of whom are participating in this exhibition. No matter what kind of financing, be it government, donor or private financing, it is channeled through our financial institutions. As earlier stated, the main reason this exhibition is being held is to showcase how our financial institutions are contributing to financing for gender equality. I also hope that the exhibition will encourage increased access to financial services by not only women but also men from all walks of life.
In this regard, the Bank of Zambia and the financial service providers under its regulation and supervision are pleased to be part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day 2008 Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our country has made great economic strides in the past few years. We have had positive economic growth averaging 5% in the last five years. The macroeconomic environment has stabilised with the achievement of single digit inflation as well as reduced interest rates. In addition we have seen increased investments in the mining and other productive sectors. This improved environment presents great opportunities  BIS Review 29/2008  1  for our country for both men and women. As you all know, women have from time immemorial taken centre stage in the running of small and medium enterprises ranging from agriculture, mining, and tourism, to manufacturing as well as cross border trading. All these economic activities need financing in order to grow and contribute to our country’s Gross Domestic Product. Ladies and Gentlemen, this brings me to the theme of International Women’s day for this year and that is “Financing for Gender Equality”. At the international level, commitments have been made on financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women by governments all over the world. A large number of governments have taken initiatives to integrate gender perspectives into their national budgets in order to reflect the differentiated needs of women and men. At a national level, Zambia is committed to financing for gender equality.