Source: Zambia Daily Mail
TWO Zambian women have taken the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) to a higher level: they will climb the 5,892 metre high Mount Kilimanjaro next week to raise awareness.

Dr Rokaya Ginwalla and Ms Betty Nalungwe of UNICEF will climb the mountain in Tanzania.
The climb will take place between March 5 and 9, to coincide with the International Women's Week and Women's Day which falls on March 8.

Dr Ginwalla, who is a doctor at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), said she decided to participate in the programme dubbed 'Unite Africa' because of the high number of GBV cases she attends to.
"As a doctor, I work closely with victims of GBV at the Centre for Disease Control at UTH. There's need for awareness because the cases are rampant," Dr Ginwalla said.

She said it is important for people to speak against GBV which has now become a major social problem in Zambia.
Dr Ginwalla said GBV robs people of their happiness and must be fought, at all costs. She said Zambians must play their role in ensuring that GBV is brought to an end.

Several African countries will participate in the event, under the auspices of the United Nations.
There is a pledge of money to every level that will be climbed and a US$50,000 to the one who will reach the summit.
The money will go towards the fight against GBV in the country of origin of the winner.

Mt Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises 4,877 metres above the surrounding plains and measures up to 40 kilometres across.

The Kilimanjaro is a challenging climb, requiring an adequate level of fitness. The climb is an intensely physical hike.

• Zambia