Chiefs Urged on Fair Adolescent Sexual Health By-Laws
Deborah Nyanjagha, a final-year student at Exploits University, touted the workshop as timely.
BLANTYRE, Malawi-- Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje district, who also serves as the girls' reproductive justice ambassador for Nyale Institute, has called upon fellow chiefs to enact fair by-laws regarding adolescents' sexual health rights, writes Mayamiko Phiri.
"Chiefs, as custodians of culture, sometimes unknowingly come up with by-laws in our communities that infringe on the sexual health rights of adolescents," Chikumbu said.
The senior chief made the statement Tuesday on the sidelines of a one-day capacity building workshop organized by Nyale Institute in Blantyre.
She vowed to impart the knowledge gained during the workshop to her subjects to ensure adolescents' rights are not violated.
Chikumbu commended Nyale Institute for organizing the "eye-opening" workshop.
Deborah Nyanjagha, a final-year student at Exploits University, touted the workshop as timely.
"I have learned how to deal with the challenges that adolescents encounter both at home and school," she said.
Michael Mataka from Active Youth Association described the workshop as a "game changer," hinting that the knowledge gained on adolescent sexual health and rights will benefit many the organization works with.
In his presentation, Nyale Institute Executive Director Dr. Godfrey Kangaude, a lawyer and scholar on sexual and reproductive justice, described changes during puberty, including heightened interest in romance and intimate relationships, as normal.
"Sometimes adults are scared when adolescents start to exhibit romantic behavior and react by punishing them, including using the law when instead they should offer guidance and support," he said.
Kangaude explained the history of section 138 of the penal code and how the provision has been used to punish adolescents for engaging in sexual conduct that is otherwise developmentally normal.
On Feb. 21, 2023, the Malawi government gazetted the Penal Code Amendment Act No. 8 of 2023.
The new section 138 provides for the offense of sexual intercourse with a child, yet it also criminalizes sexual conduct between an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, which one participant described as "absurd."