MNAT Engages Religious Bodies to Combat Human Trafficking
MNAT meets religious bodies in Blantyre to discuss TIP, writes Thoko Beaton.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - The Malawi Network Against Trafficking (MNAT) organised an engagement meeting with quasi-religious bodies in Blantyre on Thursday, focusing on the pressing issue of trafficking in persons (TIP), writes Thokozani Beaton.
The workshop aimed to equip institutional leaders with the necessary knowledge and interventions to counter trafficking within Malawi.
Dr Rodrick Mulonya, Chairperson of MNAT, stressed the importance of engaging with faith leaders, considering them key stakeholders in intensifying efforts on civic education.
He stated, "It is profitable to engage these faith leaders in such training because, in Malawi, they command a lot of respect and hold a huge influence. They meet their faithful more than once a week, providing a forum where they can disseminate messages through sermons and other awareness channels about trafficking in persons."
Mulonya further explained that the decision to conduct the training stemmed from information gathered by the network from lower-level faith and traditional leaders, indicating the need to reach top leadership within institutions as well.
Osman Karim, Secretary General of the Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi, praised the workshop, describing it as highly beneficial and enlightening for religious leaders.
Karim expressed his commitment to eradicating the vice of TIP and emphasised the importance of empowering young people and women economically to prevent them from falling into the trap of human trafficking.
"Today's training has shown that there is a need for collaborative efforts among all mother bodies in Malawi. We must consider TIP a national interest and prioritise it on the agenda of religious leaders in everything they do," Karim added.
The training shed light on various social and economic factors, such as lack of employment opportunities and poverty, which contribute to the vulnerability of young people and women to human trafficking incidents.
Father Alfred Chaima, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), expressed gratitude to the workshop organisers, stating that involving faith leaders was the most effective way to disseminate campaign messages against human trafficking.
He said, "If faith leaders are involved in projects undertaken in a nation, such as human trafficking, the messages will reach the right people in every corner of the country."
Father Chaima also highlighted the historical role of faith leaders in combating slavery and emphasised that the fight against modern-day slavery should continue with renewed vigour.
During a media briefing at the event, executives from the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), the Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM), and other bodies reaffirmed their commitment to the call against trafficking in persons.
The engagement meeting between MNAT and religious bodies served as a crucial step in mobilising faith leaders to actively combat human trafficking, raise awareness, and promote preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals within Malawi.