Genet volunteers get the wheels

Girls Empowerment Network (Genet) has strengthened the fight against gender-based violence by donating 15 bicycles to community-based defenders of girls’ rights in Mpherembe, Mzimba.

Speaking on Saturday at Thunduwike, Genet project officer Fred Nyondo said the bicycles will help the volunteers to reach out to victimised girls in remote areas.

“Our volunteers will have the ease to go where they could not go previously. We are expecting more cases to be reported now,” he said.

Inkosi Mpherembe hailed the organisation, saying the bicycles will ease transport woes encountered by the volunteers.

He then urged the volunteers to use those bicycles for the intended purpose and continue encouraging children, especially girls, to remain in school.

 “This is not the time to encourage a girl child to go for early marriage,” said the Ngoni chief.

District social welfare Officer Edward Chisanga said it is pathetic that 126 girls were defiled in Mzimba North last year. 

“Let us protect our children from any form of abuse. Any abuse of children below 18 should be reported and the law will take its course,” he warned. n