DR CHARLOTTE Scott says 2021 is a difficult year for women because women voices continue being trampled upon.

And Dr Scott says it is worrying that other neighbouring countries have initiated a COVID-19 vaccination program whilst no progress has been made in Zambia.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Scott who is former vice-president Dr Guy Scott’s wife said there was need to mark International Women’s Day with a commitment to addressing women’s lives and realising the equality and opportunities for women.

“In almost any situation of crisis, women bear the brunt of the consequences. The cost of living has risen, which affects women and their families. COVID is here, again creating enormous stress on women as patients, caregivers and providers. It’s an election year, and women’s voices are trampled where violence and untruths prevail. There is no doubt that with these and other problems, 2021 is a difficult year for women. We need to mark International Women’s Day with a commitment to addressing women’s lives and realising the equality and opportunity that is their right,” Dr Scott said.

Dr Scotth added that the best recognition for female health workers was positively resolving any barriers in accessing COVID-19 vaccines during the COVID-19 crisis.

“This women’s day, I’m thinking about the majority of health workers who are women. In the last year, these women have put their lives on the line caring for people with COVID. They have worked tirelessly, bringing people through severe illness, and repeatedly witnessing the tragedy of untimely death. Right now, our health workers are reading on a daily basis about vaccines that are rolling into our neighbouring countries. These are the vaccines that will keep them safe, and will keep their most vulnerable patients from severe and life threatening illness. In recent weeks they have seen these vaccines rolling into Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and DR Congo,” said Dr Scott.

“The best recognition possible for our female health workers would be to immediately resolve any remaining barriers to accessing vaccines, and commence this essential programme immediately. It is hard to imagine how other countries have initiated the programme whilst we remain behind.”