Synod empowers Mzimba communities to fight GBV

Synod of Livingstonia of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has intensified the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Mzimba District.

Speaking on Tuesday during an awareness meeting with traditional leaders, youths and women at Kaphika in Traditional Authority Khosolo, the synod’s health department monitoring and evaluations officer ChisomoSalangwa said there is need to empower communities to protect women from GBV in the district.

He said empowering people at the grassroot level was crucial because they will know how to protect victims and report the vice to relevant authorities.

Said Salangwa: “We are implementing Nzatonse Project in Mzimba District which seeks to raise awareness on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights as well as family planning services.

“We have learned that gender-based violence cases are still rising and the best approach is to work with youth groups, women and traditional leaders to reduce the cases.”

Group village head Kaphika Banda said the project has empowered them to raise awareness on GBV in the area.

“We condemn early marriages, defilement and violence against women,” he said.

Chikondi Chisale from Kaphika Youth Club said the project has helped people in the area to open up about various abuses they face.

The project is being implemented in the district with fundsfrom KfW of Germany through DanChurchAid and the Norwegian Church Aid.