Mchinji District Council and several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) gathered at Mduwa Primary School on Friday to observe the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).
The event emphasised the need for unity in the collective effort to eradicate GBV from the communities.
Chairperson of Mchinji District Council, Dorothy Musa, delivered a call to action, urging the government and NGOs to stand firm and collaborate in eliminating all forms of GBV prevalent in the district.
Musa highlighted distressing cases including child marriages, violence against women, defilement, early pregnancies, and abuse towards men, which have contributed to a surge in male suicide cases.
“As a council, we are committed to providing necessary support to the organisations fighting GBV, ensuring that cases do not rise,” Musa said.
Principal Gender Officer, Mariana Kanjirawaya noted a positive shift in GBV cases, attributing the decline to the dedicated efforts of NGOs in the district.
“In the past, these cases were rampant, but now, the interventions by NGOs in the communities have managed to reduce GBV significantly,” Kanjirawaya said.
Harvey Chimaliro, Executive Director for Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO), represented the collective voice of NGOs, emphasising the importance of unity in achieving positive results in the fight against GBV.
Chimaliro said it was important to come together as NGOs and other stakeholders to fight GBV because being united with a purpose can bring positive results
Chimaliro said: “Various approaches are being employed by NGOs, such as empowering women with skills, counselling and referrals for GBV victims, constructing school blocks, and rescuing girls forced into early marriages.”
Senior Chief Mduwa expressed satisfaction that the event took place in his area, highlighting the significance of raising awareness about GBV.
“The observation of the day in my area means that we need more information about GBV, and there is a pressing need for action,” Senior Chief Mduwa said.
He pledged to work diligently with his subordinates to end GBV in the area.
The event which was observed under the theme “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” was a collaboration of the Mchinji Council and NGOs who are advancing gender equality in the district.
The organisations include Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO) and OXFAM, Girls Activists Youth Organisation (GAYO), Centre for Research and Development Initiative (CERADI), Kapiri Community Development Organisation (KACODO) in collaboration with Action Aid, World Vision Malawi (WVM), Evangelical Lutheran Development Services (ELDS), and Circle for Integrated Community Development (CICOD).
