FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba has called for unity among various groups and the general public in curbing the rising cases of abuse of girls and women.

She said adults should be guiding lights for girls through provision of moral, spiritual and material support to keep their candles burning even as they faced countless hurdles.

Dr Kaseba said this when she was being installed as a Patron of the Girl Guide Association of Zambia at State House in Lusaka yesterday.

She believed that given the right guidance and support, girls would lift many families and nations out of economic woes.

"I am proud to be associated with the Girl Guide of Zambia which remains very strategic and unique, playing a very critical role in shaping the lives of girls and young women to become responsible citizens and at the same time providing them with opportunities to embrace change and make informed choices," she said.

The First Lady said the situation of young women and the wider issues of gender should be seen in the broader perspective of diversity and indiscriminate approach through provision of good leadership skills.

She was impressed that the Girl Guide Association of Zambia was actively involved in advocating major global issues such as human rights and social injustice.

Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili said the association would benefit from the expertise of the First Lady as she was a role model of women in Zambia.

Mr Kambwili urged all women's association to speak out on defilement that was on an increase.

Association chief commissioner Mary Nambela thanked the First Lady for accepting to be the patron and noted that the girls would learn greatly from her wisdom.