MIET Africa Empowers Secondary Students to Confront Gender-Based Violence
MIET Africa Empowers Secondary Students to Confront Gender-Based Violence
MIET Africa's efforts to empower students to combat GBV align with the 16 Days of Activism theme, "Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls."
Lilongwe, Malawi – Media in Education Trust (MIET) Africa has taken a significant step to empower secondary students to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by raising awareness and providing reporting channels, writes Abraham Bisayi.
Under their FutureLife - Now! program, MIET Africa organized an awareness session at Lilongwe Girls Secondary School, educating students and teachers about their role in addressing GBV, which has become a pervasive issue in Malawi.
"Gender-based violence is a critical issue that we must confront," stated Malango Kayira, Youth Facilitator for FutureLife - Now!
"Every day, there are reports of GBV, ranging from physical and sexual violence to emotional abuse, which significantly impacts students' lives."
Kayira emphasized the importance of engaging students in the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, ensuring they understand reporting procedures and support mechanisms.
Bridget Nungu, headteacher of Lilongwe Girls Secondary School, shared insights into the challenges faced by female students.
"Common cases reported by girls include forced cohabitation with parents in exchange for school fees, denial of basic needs, and forced early marriages," she explained.
Nungu stressed the school's commitment to supporting students, stating, "Through our guidance and counselling club and victim support unit, we encourage students to disclose any abuse they experience. We also engage with parents and community leaders to emphasize their responsibility in protecting children's rights."
Bridget Thyolani Phiri, a Form 3 student, commended MIET Africa's initiative, acknowledging its potential to empower students to confront GBV.
"This awareness session will help us understand our rights and provide us with the courage to report any abuse we encounter," she remarked.
During the session, representatives from the Lilongwe district gender office and victim support unit shared valuable insights on GBV prevention and reporting procedures.
FutureLife - Now! aims to strengthen the education sector's resilience in addressing the needs of vulnerable children and youth.
The program, implemented in close to 30 schools across Lilongwe, Dowa, and Dedza, provides child-friendly services addressing health, gender, migration, food security, and violence prevention.
MIET Africa's efforts to empower students to combat GBV align with the 16 Days of Activism theme, "Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls."
By empowering students to speak up and seek support, MIET Africa is contributing to a safer and more equitable learning environment for all.