Zomba District Council has joined the global commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the theme: “United to End Violence Against Women and Men in Zomba.”
The campaign was launched at Thondwe Village Polytechnic, where Zomba District Council Vice Chairperson Evalista Kalimbuka emphasized the critical role of traditional and faith leaders in combating GBV. She urged them to raise awareness about the harm caused by GBV and to report perpetrators to police and civil society organizations for justice.
“GBV can be prevented if community leaders join hands to condemn and address it. This is the day we need to deeply reflect on GBV and take part in efforts to end it,” said Kalimbuka. She also highlighted the often-overlooked issue of psychological abuse, noting that many victims—both men and women—suffer in silence.
Zomba District Gender Officer, Ruperth Kasendero, called for a unified approach to tackle GBV. He cited child marriages and property grabbing as prevalent forms of abuse in the district, urging immediate intervention to curb the rising cases. Kasendero also announced plans to facilitate mobile courts to educate communities about the criminality of GBV and ensure perpetrators face justice.
Newton Sindo, a representative of Zomba-based civil society organizations, underscored the economic impact of GBV, stating it hinders household development. He specifically condemned men who abandon their children without support, stressing the need to hold such individuals accountable.
The event was supported by organizations including Future Vision Ministry International, Emmanuel International, Sparkle Foundation, Her Liberty, Oxfam Malawi, TIPOLISO, USAID, Creccom, and the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada.
The campaign highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, with all stakeholders urged to work together to eliminate GBV and foster safer communities in Zomba.
