Blantyre org. launches GBV campaign to protect vulnerable
Kalitsiro Community-based Organisation launches GBV awareness campaigns to improve the rights of women and children in Blantyre.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - As the government and various organisations intensify efforts to educate the general public about their rights and responsibilities, a community-based organisation in Blantyre is stepping up by implementing a gender-based violence campaign programme, writes Thokozani Beaton.
The initiative aims to enhance the rights of vulnerable groups, including women and children.
The Children and Women Protection project, led by the Kalitsiro Community-based Organisation, plans to extend its GBV awareness campaigns to the catchment area of five Group Village heads: Kantukule, Danca, Mwambula, Mpagaja, and Somba.
With a target audience of over twenty thousand residents, the programme seeks to engage traditional leaders, faith organisations, community members, and other groups in raising awareness and advocating for the protection of the rights of the vulnerable, elderly, orphans, and more.
Iphani Kunsomati, the program's coordinator, expressed the project team's commitment to collaboration with various stakeholders in their catchment area of Mpemba.
Kunsomati stated, "The aim of the programme is to promote the protection of children's and women's rights against all forms of gender-based violence through awareness campaigns and engagement with stakeholders."
Alice Kailore, a resident of Kumterera Village, emphasised the positive impact of the project on women who face GBV within their matrimonial homes.
She cited cases of violence related to HIV/AIDS, where women who test positive for the virus and receive antiretroviral treatment often experience different forms of abuse from their husbands.
Kailore explained, "Some husbands mock and belittle their wives, many of whom are unaware of their serostatus."
Through sensitization and open discussions, Kailore noted a significant reduction in such cases, bringing stability to families and minimising stigma.
The programme also addresses the violation of children's rights, which is a pressing issue in the community.
Baziliyo Levulo, a community resource person from Mpingu Village, expressed concern over instances of fathers sexually abusing their own biological or stepdaughters, a severe violation of the girl child's rights and well-being.
Levulo added that the project encourages teenage mothers to return to school, ensuring a better future for themselves.
Group Village Headwoman Somba echoed these sentiments and acknowledged the prevalence of gender-based violence in the area, particularly during the harvesting season.
She urged stakeholders to unite against all forms of violence, including cases where women fabricate stories against their husbands to claim agricultural produce solely for themselves.
Despite the commendable efforts of the Children and Women Protection Initiative in combating violence within the community, the Kalitsiro CBO project faces financial challenges, limiting its ability to reach more areas.
The organisation plans to produce brochures and conduct training for community resource people on eradicating gender violence and promoting children's rights.
With concerted efforts and support from stakeholders, the project aims to create a safer environment for vulnerable groups, empowering them to exercise their rights and live free from violence.
Through continued awareness campaigns and targeted interventions, the Kalitsiro Community-Based Organisation strives to make a lasting impact on gender-based violence in Blantyre.