LUSAKA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women's Day with Vice-President Inonge Wina reaffirming government's commitment in ensuring gender equality and equity at all levels.

The Zambian vice-president, in remarks delivered at the main event held in Lusaka, the country's capital, said the government will do this by promoting programs that will enhance women participation in national development.

"Government will continue to work hard to remove all forms of discrimination against women and promote policies that will promote women empowerment," she said.

She however said promoting gender equality and equity should not be left to government alone as this requires concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society organizations and cooperating partners.

According to her, civil society activism was required in igniting innovative action aimed at bringing positive changes and in speaking out against vices hindering women participation.

While commending efforts made so far in promoting women participation, the Zambian vice-president expressed sadness that women were still being marginalized and excluded in various areas.

She especially singled out women in rural areas who she said were still faced with various challenges.

Sara Longwe, the chairperson of the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council, an umbrella body of women organizations said it was unfortunate that many countries have failed to achieve gender equality 23 years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action.

She said despite women representing 51 percent of the population in Zambia, women still faced challenges, adding that it was evident that society still has a bias towards men.

According to figures provided by the women's body, women only represent 18 percent of the Zambian parliament, 9 percent of local government seats, 29 percent in formal employment and represents 55 percent of the poor people in the country.

She added that the local theme for this year comes at a right time as it calls for enhanced activism in promoting gender equality and equity in the country.

Janet Rogan, representative of the United Nations (UN) in Zambia, said time for silence in speaking against vices hindering women empowerment was long gone and urged the women to speak out and be heard.

Held under the local theme, "Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women's Lives", the celebrations were characterized by a march past from the grounds of the High Court along the Independence Avenue to the Freedom Statue.