One Billion Rising ceremony Friday

Malawi will this Friday commemorate the One Billion Rising at a ceremony that will take place at Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre.

The day is commemorated to remind the public that one in every three women and girls is either raped or beaten.

It will be the first time for Malawi to remember the day which falls on February 14, although there is an annual event internationally.

Last year, the focus was on awareness while this year, it will be on justice.

One Billion Rising national coordinator Mbachi Joyce Ng’oma said yesterday the seeks to give women and girls some hope that being raped or beaten is not the end of the world.

“We want them to shave off some of the burden that comes with these victimisations. For example, with rape come anger, guilt and inferiority complex among other negative things,” said Ng’oma.

She disclosed that among the activities that will take place during the commemoration are testimonies. Others are presentations from Blantyre Police victim support unit (VSU) and One-Stop Centre at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.

Ng’oma is, however, worried that maximum sentences are not imposed on rapists and defilers.

“Again, there is need for more one-stop-centres, child justice courts, victim support units which should be outside police stations,” she said.