GJU to Conduct Community Sensitization to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Lilongwe
The GJU is committed to making a positive impact in these communities and fostering a safer environment for all.
LILONGWE, MALAWI - The Gender and Justice Unit (GJU), a non-governmental organization focused on promoting gender equality and social justice through legal empowerment, will this week be conducting a community sensitization program in peri-urban areas of Lilongwe to address gender-based violence (GBV) knowledge gaps and empower communities to respond to this issue effectively, writes Winston Mwale.
The four targeted areas, Chitipi (17th), Chigwirizano (18th), Mtandire( 19th), and Lumbadzi (20th), have demonstrated a need to raise awareness and improve responses to GBV.
Reports and assessments revealed a lack of awareness about legal protections and a reluctance to report abuse.
The GJU's initiative, with support from Trocaire Malawi, aims to bridge these knowledge gaps and facilitate positive changes within these communities.
The primary objectives of the community sensitization program are as follows:
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Providing community members with accurate and accessible information about their legal rights concerning GBV and related legal matters.
Raising Awareness About Legal Resources: Ensuring the community is aware of available legal and trauma counselling services.
Promoting Access to Justice: Offering information about GBV service providers in the community and empowering survivors to seek assistance confidently.
Fostering Knowledge about GJU’s Support Services: Ensuring that community members are aware of the existence of the safe house and the GBV response unit.
The anticipated outcomes of the program include increased awareness, improved access to justice, an empowered community, and increased reporting of GBV cases.
The GJU aims to reach out to as many community members as possible through these sensitization activities and contribute to a safer, more informed community in the fight against gender-based violence.
This initiative aligns with the GJU's broader mission of utilizing the law as a tool for gender equality and social justice by promoting legal empowerment, strategic litigation, research, advocacy, and strengthening access to justice.
The GJU is committed to making a positive impact in these communities and fostering a safer environment for all.