Genet fights GBV in Malawi through awareness-raising, attitude change
Genet works to change attitudes towards GBV in Malawi
Dowa/Phalombe, Malawi — Genet, a woman-led initiative, is combating gender-based violence (GBV) in the Dowa and Phalombe districts through awareness-raising and changing societal attitudes, writes Mustafa Makumba.
The Nkhanza Toto project, initiated in May 2021, has already reached over 10,000 individuals in the targeted districts, making a significant impact.
The initiative was born in response to the outcry over the neglect of GBV victims in the country.
Faith Phiri, executive director of Genet, explains that GBV is often normalized, leading many victims to suffer in silence due to fear of discrimination or societal perception of weakness.
The goal of the initiative is to create a supportive environment where all victims, regardless of gender, can address GBV-related issues and live normal lives.
The initiative has had a remarkable impact on the lives of people in the target areas.
Lucy Wanderson, a woman from Dowa district, shares how her life has changed significantly since the project's inception.
Through village banks where women contribute money and discuss GBV and related issues, Wanderson has experienced financial and mental empowerment. She now owns a shop and a tobacco farm, and she has become knowledgeable about women's rights and gender equality.
She has also become an advocate for women's rights.
"I now know my rights as a woman and the equality of men and women. Before this initiative, we considered it normal for a woman to be unequal to a man," Wanderson said.
"But now I am able to voice myself and fight for my fellow women's rights," she added.
Inspired by the Nkhanza Toto initiative, Mercy Dziwitseni has formed a movement in the Chikhadza area of Dowa.
The movement tracks and follows up on GBV-related cases, mobilising both men and women to collaboratively address these issues. Consequently, GBV cases in the area have significantly decreased.
"Our grouping has been pivotal as it voluntarily works day and night to follow any case of gender-based violence in our area and the surrounding areas," Dziwitseni said.
Through the project, individuals have received training on identifying GBV-related issues and effectively addressing them.
They have gained knowledge on where to report cases and how to engage with relevant authorities.
Despite being fully funded by the UK-based charity organisation Comic Relief, the initiative faces challenges.
Resistance to change remains a concern, as altering attitudes towards GBV-related issues requires substantial effort.
Nevertheless, Genet, through its Nkhanza Toto initiative, is taking bold steps towards creating an equal society free from gender-based violence.
Phiri emphasises that the organisation believes a society without GBV is crucial for the country's development and the well-being of its people.
Established in 2008, Genet aims to improve the health, status, and well-being of vulnerable, marginalised, and at-risk adolescent girls in Malawi.
The organisation empowers adolescent girls and young women to advocate for gender equality, justice, and access to sexual reproductive rights (SRHR), among other areas.
Genet focuses on five thematic areas, including climate change, entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and promoting girl education.