Men urged to report GBV

Zomba Police Station victim support unit crime prevention officer Gertrude Namaona has asked men to report gender-based violence (GBV) for action.

She said this on Friday during a GBV awareness campaign in Sub-Traditional Authority Mwembere in the district.

Namaona said suffering GBV in silence at home, workplace and other social gatherings has led to men committing suicide. 

“Suicide is not the solution as it creates more problems, especially for people who relied on the deceased,” she said.

Namaona further warned communities to avoid laughing at men that take bold steps to report GBV, saying reporting the vice is not a weakness.

Group village head Mtengula confessed that most men in his area were facing various forms of GBV.

The chief said the majority of the abused men fail to participate in community development activities due to trauma and stigma.

Mulunguzi Magistrate’s Court’s third grade magistrate Jennipher Kalinde said the law protects both men and women from GBV.

“Men should exercise their rights in seeking justice from GBV related,” she said.

Zomba district gender officer Rupeth Kamtsendero said the council in conjunction with stakeholders interested in GBV fight, are encouraging men to become gender champions.

He said that where men are appreciated, they perform better in various socioeconomic development activities both at home and the community.

“GBV derails development; hence, the need to fight the vice,” he said.

With support from the United States Agency for International Development through Governance for Solutions organisation, Zomba District Council is targeting hard-to-reach areas with GBV messages.