The Zambezi Region lacks the capacity and human resources to deal with gender-based violence involving victims under the age of 18.

This was revealed during the visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development, and Family Affairs at Katima Mulilo. 

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the Committee received a petition on the safety, protection, and social welfare of children.

The social worker in the Ministry of Gender Equality, Griefs Chetika, says that the ministry conducts cell visits to repeated juvenile offenders.

Chetika says they are facing a challenge with street children who cross into the country illegally from Zambia to sell items and go back later.

Warrant Officer Harris Mwangu is the Acting Head of the Gender-Based Violence Victims Protection Sub-Division.

Mwangu says the division lacks appropriate offices as their current office at the State Hospital is in a dilapidated state.

They also have one vehicle, which delays response to gender-based violence incidents when reported.
 
The department is also struggling with a shortage of social workers, especially when obtaining statements from minors.