Empowering Communities: GJU Conducts Gender-Based Violence Prevention Sensitization in Mtandire
The GJU's approach includes the engagement of various authorities, such as the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Law Commission, and community leaders.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The Gender and Justice Unit (GJU) has taken proactive steps to equip the residents of Mtandire, a community in Lilongwe, with knowledge and skills to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV) issues within their families and communities, writes Moses Nyirenda.
This initiative is part of the ongoing community sensitization drive focused on GBV prevention, conducted by GJU with generous support from Trocaire, a non-governmental organisation.
The GJU's approach includes the engagement of various authorities, such as the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Law Commission, and community leaders.
These experts are working together to provide valuable knowledge and skills to community members, enabling them to effectively prevent GBV.
Grace John, Civic Education Officer at the Malawi Law Commission, emphasised the importance of various laws in GBV prevention.
These laws encompass gender equality, child protection, and human trafficking, among others.
John encouraged residents of Mtandire to promptly report any form of GBV to the police or relevant authorities.
"When you have faced GBV of any kind, do not hesitate to report to the police or any other authorities, such as organizations responsible for addressing GBV issues," John advised.
Constable Steven Nthenda of the Lingadzi Police shared insights on the availability of the Victim Support Unit under the Malawi Police Service, which provides assistance to GBV survivors.
Senior Chief Chigoneka expressed his appreciation for GJU's efforts to reach the Mtandire community with a sensitization campaign on GBV prevention.
He acknowledged that their area had seen a high number of GBV cases and believed that the knowledge imparted through the campaign would empower community members to prevent or report GBV effectively.
Emma Kalea Chigwenembe, Deputy Director of GJU, articulated the organization's mission to ensure that people in the country have the ability to report and prevent GBV.
During the sensitization campaign in Mtandire, numerous community members seized the opportunity to visit legal clinics operated by GJU, seeking legal assistance.
The campaign stands as a commendable example of community-driven efforts to combat GBV and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the Lilongwe area.