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International Women's Day: Embassy contributes to girl-child scholarship fund
Embassy of Sweden
March 08, 2005

The Embassy of Sweden in Harare will continue to strengthen community and individual efforts aimed at empowering women and the girl child to deal with the far-reaching effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

This was said by Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe, Kristina Svensson, when she hosted a luncheon for women to mark the International Women's Day (8th March).

This year's commemoration coincided with the publication of a book entitled "Secrets of a Woman's Soul" by Lutanga Shaba.

Proceeds from sales of the book will be channelled towards a scholarship fund targeted at academically-gifted young girls who find themselves in situations of destitution because of the death of their parents due to HIV and Aids.

Commending the initiative by Shaba, Svensson said the commemoration of the International Women's Day should not only be a day for recollecting achievements of the past, but also a time to remind womankind of their responsibilities to the girl child.

"By starting education programmes that empower the girl child in disadvantaged families, we are contributing to a bright future, not only for women, but the whole of Zimbabwe and the region," she said.

Svensson also announced that the Embassy of Sweden will purchase 50 books as its contribution to the revolving fund.

"The book carries an important message on HIV/ Aids which it presents in an emotive but clear language. It carries a message very few would brave to tell, yet it also offers candid counsel to those working with people living with HIV/AIDS", said Svensson.

International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. The day has been variously seen as a time for asserting women's political and social rights, for reviewing the progress that women have made, or as a day for celebration.

Contacts:
Sizani Weza, Communications Officer, E-mail: sizani.weza@sida.se
Hazel Chinake, HIV/ AIDS & Gender Officer, E-mail: hazel.chinake@sida.se
Tel. 302 636
Fax: 302 236

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