‘Collaboration key to ending GBV’

Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) district coordinator Prisca Nyasulu has called for collaboration to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) in Ntchisi District.

She said this on Saturday in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chilooko during a training of traditional leaders, area development committee (ADC) members and health workers on how to handle GBV cases.

Nyasulu said her organisation is using the Start Awareness Support and Action approach that supports communities to fight GBV.

She said: “The approach ensures that no one is left behind in the fight against GBV.

“Therefore, the training seeks to strengthen collaboration and coordination among community leaders, institutional leaders and other players to end GBV in the district.”

Nyasulu encouraged health workers and community structures to ensure that girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services.

Malomo Health Centre medical assistant Noel Ngwata said the training equipped him with skills to handle GBV cases.

“I have learned the procedures needed when handling GBV victims,” he said.

Chilooko ADC  chairperson Evelyn Malanda said she was optimistic that they will protect girls and women  from violence.

She said: “The most common forms of GBV in our area are defilement and rape, but it is now on the decline.

“However, most men involve their wives in farming activities but deny them the proceeds.”

Malanda urged traditional leaders to formulate by-laws to protect girls and women from GBV.

Wolrec is implementing a four-year Empowering Women and Girls To Live a Life Free from GBV with funding from Norwegian  Church Aid/DanChurch Aid in T/As Chilooko and Kalumo in the district.