Blantyre district principal gender and development officer Stephano Joseph has said the district has recorded 1 300 gender-based violence (GBV) cases this year, up from 1 200 in 2023.
He said this on Friday when the district launched 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Lunzu Primary School.
He said the cases range from physical, social, psychological and sexual violence.
Said Joseph: “Blantyre is one of the districts that register many GBV cases. We also found that some men experience psychological violence, which results in mental health.
“That is why we launched the male engagement strategy to involve men in the fight against GBV.”
YouthNet and Counselling Organisation (Yoneco) programme support manager Sewethe Chipofya said the event was crucial as it brought together stakeholders to showcase their activities.
“On case management, we go to communities and schools to engage people and learners on GBV. We equip communities with reporting mechanisms, including using our toll free lines 116 and 5600,” she said.
Chipofya also said the institution was facing challenges in handling cases involving influential people, including politicians.
The event was commemorated under the theme ‘Let us unite to end violence against women and girls’.
First Lady Monica Chakwera launched the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against GBV at Mpasa Community Day Secondary School in Phalombe District on November 25 2024.
Chakwera said the campaign should provide opportunities to reflect on effects of GBV and think of ways to end the vice
