Female councillors intensify GBV fight
Female councillors in Salima have launched a campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in the district.
Speaking in an interview, Chitala Ward councillor Esther Soko, who is also Salima District Council chairperson, said they wanted to intensify awareness campaigns on GBV in the district.
“We have introduced door-to-door awareness campaigns to sensitise parents to how they can report GBV cases and protect survivors,” she said.
Another councillor Asiyatu Chakwera for Maganga-Kuluunda Ward said women and girls continue to face GBV despite efforts by government and non-governmental organisations to end the vice.
Group village head Makanjira warned perpetrators that they will be brought to book.
Salima gender development officer Fryness Samalia said her office is working with different structures to nullify child marriages in the district.
She said: “The campaign will address GBV issues in the district.
“My office will conduct awareness campaigns to urge girls who dropped out of school to return.”
The female councillors also said they will engage traditional leaders to abolish harmful cultural practices that prevent women from accessing justice in GBV cases.
UN Women funded the campaign launch.
