F
irst Lady Monica Chakwera has called on Malawians and partners to unite to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV).
She said this yesterday when she presided over the launch of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign at Mpasa Community Day Secondary School in Phalombe District.
The First Lady said the campaign should provide opportunities to reflect on the effects of GBV and think of ways to end the vice.
“Our statistics do not reflect well on GBV and I urge you all to look into them because these are not just figures, but these are people. Hearing that 76 percent of girls are experiencing sexual abuse in the country is not good,” she said.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza said women should be empowered to report GBV.
Non-Governmental Organisation Gender Coordination Network chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda said they will continue working with government and other partners to eliminate the vice.
She said they will ensure that women vying for political positions in the September 16 2025 General Elections are protected from violence.
United Nations resident coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh called for increased activism and advocacy to end GBV.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is commemorated under the theme ‘Unite to end violence against women and girls in Malawi: Towards Beijing +30’.
From November 25 to December 10 the nation will carry out a series of campaigns to raise awareness on GBV.
Malawi has been observing 16 Days of Activism Against GBV for 30 years.
