Community teams up to fight sexual abuse

Communities in Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe in Karonga have teamed up to fight sexual abuse among women and girls amid soaring cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the district.

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting organised by Ukhondo Services Foundation in Nyungwe, Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe asked his subjects to fight sexual abuse among women and girls.

“Sexual abuse affects girls psychologically. I urge people to report the vice,” he said.

The chief also pledged to formulate by-laws to protect women and girls from GBV. 

On her part, Nyungwe Primary School Mother Group chairperson Jessie Nyirenda commended Ukhondo Services Foundation for equipping them with skills to handle GBV cases.

“We will collaborate with traditional leaders and schools to fight sexual abuse,” she said.

In his remarks, Ukhondo Services Foundation field facilitator Lusayo Mwanyongo expressed satisfaction with the communities’ interest to work together to end sexual abuse among women and girls.

In a separate interview, Karonga District coordinating primary education adviser Francis Mwenembako also hailed the organisation for training teachers in GBV.

“The knowledge will help teachers to enlighten learners on things that constitute sexual abuse and how to report,” he said.

With support from Tilitonse Foundation, Ukhondo Services Foundation is running a GBV project in the area.