Elderly women march to raise funds
Some women aged between 60 and 80 marched in the streets of Blantyre on Saturday to raise about K5 million for the needy and demand justice for victimised elderly persons.
The women, led by Senior Citizen Association (CSA), carried placards calling for assistance to the elderly, who they said are suffering and live without health care.
Speaking in an interview during the march, the association’s executive committee secretary general Mary Mkandawire said part of the funds raised will also help older person who survived Cyclone Freddy.
She said: “Elderly persons are suffering a lot in this country. They lack support and protection. They are being victimised and killed over witchcraft allegations.”
Mkandawire said women in rural areas suffer the most because the community does not protect them.
“In urban areas, we look healthy because we get help from our children, but those in rural areas are suffering both from hunger and abuse. So, our message today is that we, the elderly, are not witches but parents that raised you,” she said.
According to Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisation executive director Andrew Kavala, abuse and killings of elderly people is on the rise in the country.
He said, so far, 10 elderly persons were killed between January and June 2023.
“But there are fears that the figure could increase if authorities do not take corrective action,” he told The Nation edition of August 3 2023.
The Saturday big walk started at Chichiri Shopping Centre to Blantyre Town Hall and attracted over 50 elderly CSA members.
The grouping was established in 2013 and has seven zones in Blantyre. Its aim is to fight injustice against the elderly.
