Rumphi East Constituency Member of Parliament, Florence Shapiro Khimbi, has spoken out against the growing prevalence of social-media abuse, noting that she herself has been a frequent target—often at the hands of fellow women.
Addressing communities at Mphompha Admarc Ground during the closing ceremony of the 16 Days of Activism, Khimbi urged women and girls to unite and refrain from tearing each other down online.
She stressed that social-media harassment not only harms individuals but also weakens efforts to advance women’s empowerment and leadership at all levels.
Rumphi District Gender Officer Atupele Mwalweni echoed Khimbi’s concerns, noting that many cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mphompha go unreported, with online abuse increasingly destabilising families.
Mwalweni appealed to parents to prioritise girls’ education, warning that harmful practices such as early marriages—often fuelled by the desire to obtain lobola—continue to hinder girls’ futures.
Event organisers, the Small Producers Development and Transporters Association (SPRODETA), reaffirmed their dedication to supporting a violence-free society through awareness campaigns and community engagement.
SPRODETA Partnership Coordinator Daniel Nyirenda said the organisation will continue working with local structures to challenge harmful social norms and protect vulnerable groups.
From January to September 2025, Rumphi District recorded 489 cases of Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the urgent need for sustained interventions and stronger community support systems.
