K2bn to fight gender violence in Lilongwe

Global Fund has given K2 billion to Chinasi Foundation, a local non-governmental organisation, to fight adolescent gender-based violence (GBV) and reduce HIV-related infections resulting from GBV.

Chinasi Foundation field officer responsible for adolescent girls and young women Daniel Jali said the project will run up to 2020.

“The main aim is to reduce HIV and Aids and GBV. We are targeting girls aged between 10 and 24. We  also  want to increase awareness of HIV among our targeted communities,” he said.

Speaking during a day-long mobile clinic the NGO organised for adolescent girls in the city, Gertrude Njati from Lilongwe Victim Support Unit said most GVB cases, especially sexual harassment, go unreported because the perpetrators are relatives.

“In a month, we receive about 150 cases of sexual exploitation of adolescent girls and minors. Most cases are perpetrated by relatives,” she said.

Njati hailed the fund, saying it will help raise awareness against GBV.

GBV survivor, Rose Sulati, 22, said the clinics are vital and have given her confidence to encourage others to report GBV.

“I have learnt how to be a vigilant agent of change. I was exploited and impregnated, the man fled and the burden is with me to raise the child. I don’t want other people to face the same,” she said.

The world is from November 25 to December 10 commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.