M’mbelwa urges chiefs to protect women rights

Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V of Mzimba has urged traditional leaders to take the lead in safeguarding women and their rights.

The Ngoni chief made the remarks at a workshop in Lilongwe where traditional leaders were trained in women rights.

The event, opened by senior State advocate Mathews Gamadzi, is one of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

M’mbelwa called for a rights-based approach to safeguarding girls and women, saying: “Let’s be careful when handling issues of women rights. In the past women were made to take care of families and not to be leaders. Things have changed.”

Gamadzi underscored government’s seriousness to entrench a culture of human rights and the rule of law.

“We need to empower chiefs, because these are the ones who take care of the people. If they are empowered, they can also inform their communities to protect and respect women rights,”he said. n