Ministry of Tourism and Arts permanent Secretary Reverend Dr Howard Sikwela says he is concerned that a lot of women are being used as conduits in illegal wildlife trade.

Dr Sikwela said this when Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Awareness Manager Luwi Ngulika paid a courtesy call on him at his office, Monday.

“Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Reverend Dr. Howard Sikwela has expressed concern that many women are being used as conduits in illegal wildlife trade. Speaking when Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) awareness manager, Luwi Ngulika paid a courtesy call on him at his office this [Tuesday] morning, Dr. Sikwela urged that the organization does more sensitization especially for women who end up suffering when arrested at the cost of male poachers. He said just like in drug trafficking, women fall victim as they are being used in the marketing and selling of contrabands like illegal game meat,” read a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism and Arts public relations officer, Sakabilo Kalembwe, Tuesday.

“The PS urged the awareness manager to go flat out and tell the women the dangers that come with such risky business engagements. He said government couldn’t manage to go it alone in bringing down wildlife crime hence the need to engage with other stakeholders like WCP. And Ngulika said her organization cherished the support from the Ministry and wished for continued partnership for posterity. She said there is need to change the narrative in the way people look at the conservation efforts that are being made by all parties involved for the benefit of all Zambians. Ngulika said Zambians need to know the value of wildlife and hence the need to leave a legacy of conservation efforts.”