Coalition for Empowerment of Women and Girls (CEWAG) has expressed satisfaction with the country’s performance in enhancing gender equality as the country commemorates 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

In an interview on Wednesday, Executive Director for CEWAG, Chisomo Matiyo said it is encouraging that both government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are collaborating in engaging men and boys as agents of change in fighting GBV.

“The country has seen strategies and laws being developed such as the ‘Ending Early Marriages’ strategy and the ‘Gender Equality Act of 2013’ which promotes equal rights for men and women.

A lot of NGOs have been on the forefront in ensuring that rights of women are not violated. Interventions are also rolling out on the ground to enhance the same,” said Matiyo.

Matiyo said although the organisation has been successful in conducting awareness sessions for people to recognise their role in ending GBV, they still experience some challenges in the course of their work.

“Some people or communities are resistant to change because of their cultural background. As such, whenever we engage them, they think we are bringing foreign elements that threaten their culture,” she said.

A resident of Chibanja Township in Mzuzu, Towera Msumba concurred with Matiyo saying the fact that women are in leadership positions and organisations are there to promote women’s rights is proof that the country is on the right track.

“In the past, women were underrated by men. These days, however, women are empowered both at work and home as we have equal rights as men.

In addition to that, we have women role models taking up leadership positions in different areas,” said Msumba.

The 16 days of activism against gender based violence is commemorated annually from November 25 to December 10.