Karonga District Council chairperson Atusaye Mwenifumbo has challenged stakeholders in the district to unite to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the district.
He made the call on Saturday at Baka Primary School during the district’s commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
Said Mwenifumbo: “We commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV to reflect deeply on the kind of society we are building, both in our homes and in our digital spaces.
“It challenges us to stand together with a shared purpose to eliminate all forms of violence and create a safer Karonga for everyone.”
He also said GBV remains one of the greatest threats to the district’s development, observing that it is not only a violation of human rights, but also an obstacle to economic progress.
“When a girl is forced out of school due to abuse, our district loses potential. When a woman suffers in silence due to domestic violence, a family loses stability,” said Mwenifumbo.
Karonga Police station officer Robert Ngwala said despite interventions, GBV cases were rampant.
“To curb the vice, we have intensified awareness campaigns and radio programmes,” he said.
Foundation for Community Support Services executive director Kossam Munthali asked traditional leaders to review harmful cultural practices that fuel GBV.
Speaking in an interview, Karonga district principal gender development officer Ireen Mwenelupembe said this year, the district recorded 963 GBV cases.
“Economic and sexual gender-based violence are rampant,” she said.
