The United Kingdom recently passed a landmark law that will require all international development efforts to take into account the rights of women and girls.
One of the first countries expected to see the impact of the new law is Zambia, where the U.K. Department for International Development is implementing programs to tackle gender-based violence, the situation of adolescent girls and child marriage, and to provide institutional support for the local ministry of gender.
In a country where girls as young as 10 are sometimes married off and are thus prone to suffer debilitating ailments such as vaginal fistula caused by early pregnancy, developing a constructive relationship with both the Zambian ministries and the tribal chiefs is key to overcoming cultural norms, according to Kevin Quinlan, head of the DfID office in Lusaka.
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Richard Jones@richard_devex
In his role as Editorial Director Richard oversees content for digital series, reports and events, leading a talented team of writers and editors, conducting high-level video interviews and moderating panels at events. Previously partnerships editor and an associate editor at Devex, Richard brings to bear 15 years of experience as an editor in institutional communications, public affairs and international development. Based in Barcelona, his development experience includes stints in the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Ecuador, as well as extensive work travel in Africa and Asia.
