Source: Zambia Daily Mail
A Swedish delegation of members of Parliament (MP) says Zambia is a role model for democracy and women’s rights in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.

And Zambia’s deputy ambassador to Sweden, Anthony Mukwita has said President Lungu’s interaction through visitation to other countries has increased the visibility of the country abroad.
Delegation leader of the MPs, Maria Anderson Willner said on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport yesterday that Zambia is working hard to address issues on sexual reproductive health.
“Zambia has for a long time been a role model in matters of democracy and building of economic and social development in the southern region,” she said in an interview.
Ms Willner, an MP of the Social Democratic Party in Sweden, said that the delegation of five MPs will among other issues look at ways that Zambia and Sweden can partner in dealing with sexual and reproductive health and rights.
She said that this would be done through Swedish development co-operation.
Ms Willner said that the partnership between the MPs will also tackle Sustainable Development Goals which will replace Millennium Development Goals.
She said Zambia has also made progress on sexual reproductive health and rights.
Another MP of the Centre Party, Ola Johnsson, said the delegation will also learn about good examples that Zambia has had in sexual reproductive health.
Mr Johnsson said the MPs will also visit partners working on women’s rights, a workplace HIV/AIDS programme, and a health facility.
They will also visit a project that is raising awareness on sexual reproductive health and discuss the need to enhance the role of midwives in adolescent health.
Earlier, Mr Mukwita said that the visit by the MPs is a sign that Zambia is now getting recognition around the globe.
He said that President Lungu’s promotion of economic diplomacy will have long-term benefits for the country.

• Zambia