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Zambia
Country profile
Within 40 years Zambia has declined from a low middle income to a low income country ranking 166 out of 177 countries in the UNDP 2005 Human Development Index. The average life expectancy is 38 years for men, and 37 for women, but it is still decreasing.
Almost all poverty indicators are in regression, and there is evidence that poverty is worsening – despite the fact that Zambia has huge natural and human resources and is receiving considerable development aid.
The poor of Zambia suffer from weak purchasing power and insufficient access to education, water and health. Food insecurity is widespread and the lack of basic social services has gravely limited the poor people’s active participation in wider social processes as most of their time is spent on securing their livelihoods. For the vast majority meaningful participation in political discussions or issues of national development has not been a reality.
Cultural beliefs and widespread gender discrimination makes women a particularly vulnerable group. While statutory law contains provisions that recognize women’s rights, the existence and the extensive use of customary law mainly in rural areas represents a great obstacle to women’s empowerment.
The linkage between gender inequality, customary law and HIV/AIDS is extensive, and the insufficient health system is increasingly put under pressure from the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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Zambia
