By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –

THE Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has signed 37 projects amounting to K5, 725,553.55 million to enhance promotion of gender equality and equity.

This will be done through social, economic, political and cultural empowerment of women throughout the country, especially in the rural areas to enable them contribute to development

NGOCC Board chairperson, Beatrice Grillo said the signing of the projects would prioritise to influence policy change to advocate gender sensitive and responsive legal framework, popularise the Anti-GBV Act among various issues.

Ms Grillo was speaking during the Grant signing ceremony in Lusaka under the Grant Management Programme (GMP) which implements the basket fund.

She said this would also advocate access to maternal health and HIV and AIDS services, promote women’s rights, support economic empowerment skills and advancing positive portrayal of women in order to amplify their voices in the media.

“NGOCC has, since 2003 (10 years) supported a total of 86-member organisations representing 82 per cent of the 105 NGOCC members.

These have since implemented a total of 292 projects across the country with an amount of K27, 352,545, 405 disbursed.

“The members access the funding by responding to calls made by a team of independent experts from outside the NGOCC family.

This is very important for us all as it ensures transparency, fairness and objectivity,” she said.

Ms Grillo said the 37 proposals which have been supported would be more focused and impact-oriented.

She expressed gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and cooperating partners for the continued financial, technical and moral support.