Foundation for Children’s Rights has emphasised the need to scale up efforts to fight gender-based violence in Mzimba District.
Speaking on Monday at Embangweni Trading Centre, the organisation’s executive director Jennifer Mkandawire said the campaign was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
She said: “We believe that through continuous sensitisation, collaboration with local leaders and offering support to survivors, we can create a safer environment for children and women.
“Our goal is to reduce GBV incidents and build a culture of mutual respect.”
Mkandawire said her organisation is partnering with local stakeholders, including chiefs, schools, government departments and religious institutions to foster change at the grassroots level.
Mzimba district social welfare officer Sebastian Mkandawire said they were registering many GBV cases despite efforts to end the vice.
“On average we register about 70 GBV cases quarterly despite interventions my office and other stakeholders such as Foundation for Children’s Rights are implementing,” he said.
Embangweni Police Unit’s Inspector Lilian Mkandawire commended officers who work with other stakeholders to fight GBV.
“The police also provide psychosocial counselling to GBV survivors and investigate reported cases,” she said.
Mkandawire encouraged GBV victims to report to ensure perpetrators face justice.
The organisation in collaboration with Mzimba District Council and Mzimba Police Station conducted the awareness campaigns at Embangweni, Edingeni, Mngomiyawo, Eswazini, Engalaweni, Euthini, Manyamula, Luviri, Jenda, Luwerezi and Emfeni trading centres
