Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri has appealed to women to avoid engaging in reckless beer drinking during this festive season to avoid being taken advantage of by irresponsible men and youths.

And Phiri has further appealed to women and girls to be cautious and avoid being swayed into engaging in illicit activities which may endanger their lives.

Meanwhile, Phiri says parents should save enough money for children’s school fees instead of going on shopping sprees out of excitement.

This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by Ministry of Gender media liaison officer Mwape Mwenya, where the ministry wished all Zambians violence-free Christmas celebrations.

Phiri said the festive season was a time to spend time with families and friends, to reflect on the achievements attained and to look forward to future prospects.

Phiri warned that the law would not spare anyone who would be found wanting especially in Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases, irrespective of age and gender.

“According to the 2017 statistics of juvenile delinquency by the Zambia police, 1,761 juvenile offenders were convicted compared to 1,193 juveniles who were convicted in 2016 for various offences ranging from assault, drunk and incapable or disorderly acts and house breaking,” she said.

Phiri further said breaking the law with impunity attracted stiff punishment by the law as no person had the right to take the law in their own hands.

“Women and the youth especially girls should avoid being found in conflict with the law for cases which can be sorted out amicably and in a mature manner,” she said.

Phiri expressed shock with recent media reports of inhuman acts which some women had committed towards fellow women, children and intimate partners.

She urged victims of GBV especially men who shy away for fear of victimisation, to report any form of abuse to relevant authorities so that whoever was found wanting could face the wrath of the law.