‘Male involvement vital in GBV fight’
Women and girls from Traditional Authority Jenala in Phalombe say they want men to be involved in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with police and other duty-bearers, Jenala Women’s Group chairperson Mary Kamowa said men in the area do not support the girl child.
She said: “Men think girls are just meant for marriage. So, they do not support their education.
“This stance leaves room for girls to be exploited by men.”
Kamowa said a community score-card survey they conducted established that non-involvement of men in the fight against GBV was a contributing factor to continued violence against girls and women in the area.
On his part, Sub-Traditional Authority Tamani said he will look into the concerns the women have raised.
“I will encourage men to protect the rights of girls and women,” he said.
In his remarks, Phalombe second grade magistrate Steve Samati said it was unfortunate that men fail to show interest in interventions that safeguard girls and women’s rights.
Women and girls from traditional authorities Jenala and Nazombe have formed a Nkhanza Toto movement supported by Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children in partnership with Oxfam in Malawi and Girls Empowerment Network with funding from Comic Relief.
