Youths in Nkhata Bay team up to fight GBV
Y
ouths from Traditional Authority (T/A) Timbiri in Nkhata Bay have teamed up to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in the district.
The youths, under Timbiri Youth Network, on Saturday marched to Nkhata Bay District Council premises to present their petition against gender-based violence.
Speaking after presenting the petition, the network’s chairperson Maxwell Msoda said it was high time youths fought for their rights.
“We want to force authorities and other stakeholders to activate by-laws to protect the youth, especially girls who become victims of sexual abuse,” he said.
Msoda also said they want traditional leaders to abolish harmful cultural practices that fuel child marriages.
Nkhata Bay District Council spokesperson Patrick Botha, who represented district commissioner Rodney Simwaka, said the council will address the issues raised.
He said: “We are pleased to see that the youth are taking proactive action to end gender-based violence in the district.
“We believe that their solidarity march is a call to action to all stakeholders, including the youth themselves, local leaders and other duty-bearers.”
Parents and Child Health Initiative project coordinator Hilda Chapota said they supported the march to show their solidarity with the youth.
She said: “The solidarity walk will have a huge impact as communities have got the message from gender-based violence victims.
“The march has also played an important role to sensitise other youths to gender-based violence issues.”
Nkhata Bay district director of education, youth and sports Muhabi Chivunga, who received the petition, commended the youth for the peaceful march.
T/A Timbiri said he will meet the youth and community members to discuss how to fight gender-based violence.
The solidarity march started from Chintheche Turn-off to Nkhata Bay District Council offices.
