Church pushes for end to gender-based violence

As Malawi joins the global community in celebrating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Anglican Church has urged other churches to use the pulpit to end GBV.

The Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi said on Monday churches must not only use the pulpit to spread the word of God but also raise awareness on the dangers of GBV.

GBV coordinator in the diocese the Reverend Father Willard Kamandani said under this year’s theme End Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work, they were targeting institutions where GBV is perpetuated to push for systematic change and accountability.

“One of the greatest threats to individuals, families and society around the world is violence against women, men, girls and boys. As a church, we are greatly concerned,” he said.

Mothers Union in Anglican Church outgoing president Margaret Marobe said during the campaign, they will create awareness on the rising human trafficking, especially involving girls who are trafficked to Asian countries and subjected to slavery.

Last year, the church targeted schools and raised awareness on the promotion of girl-child education.

But according to Father Kamandani, there is need to balance by also talking about boy-child education to avoid creating a space that can be a problem in the near future.

The church’s climax of the campaign will be this Saturday in Blantyre starting with a big walk to be followed by other activities such as plays, special prayers and music concerts.