CCJP empowers male champions to fight GBV

Karonga Diocese Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) project officer Vincent Bwinga says involving male champions to fight gender-based violence (GBV) has the potential to help eliminate the vice in the district.

He said this on Tuesday during a meeting with male champions from traditional authorities (T/As) Mwakaboko and Kilupula on the vice.

Bwinga said eliminating GBV needs collaboration; hence, the need to involve male champions.

He said: “Male champions will easily engage their fellow men on the fight against GBV.

“Therefore, this engagement was meant to empower the male champions to be vigilant because most GBV cases are perpetrated by men,”

On his part, a male champion Chikutu Mtonga said it was true that most common GBV cases in the area were perpetrated by men; hence, empowering male champions to join the fight will bear fruits.

He said: “We will use every available space to raise awareness on the evils of ill-treating our spouses.

“For example, men desert their families after selling farm produce.”

On his part, Ngisi male champion Ndele Kalinga blamed some harmful cultural practices for fuelling GBV such as early marriages.

He said: “Therefore, the establishment of male champions is commendable as it is the right tool for fighting GBV in our area.

“We will also engage traditional leaders in the fight.”

Karonga district gender and development officer Ireen Mwenilupembe said the battle against GBV requires awareness campaigns to demystify cultural norms.

With a joint financial support from the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid, CCJP is implementing the Enhancing the Effective Protection and Promotion of Rights of Women and Girls from GBV project in T/As Kyungu, Kilupula and Mwakaboko in the lakeshore district