NGO Urges Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Combat GBV in Dowa
Senior Chief Chakhaza is committed to working with stakeholders to implement the revised by-laws to address these challenges.
DOWA, Malawi — The Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) called for increased stakeholder collaboration to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Dowa district as communities continue to grapple with high rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, writes Rabecca Kaunda Mwafulirwa.
The appeal came during community engagements in Senior Chief Chakhaza and Dzoole areas, which have reported numerous GBV cases. Lawrence Kayesa, SOFF's programme coordinator, emphasised the importance of inclusive participation in developing community by-laws.
"Once the by-laws have been formulated, we will bring in our colleagues from court to review them to see if they align with the constitution," Kayesa said.
The Dzoole Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson welcomed the initiative, noting previous conflicts arose from a lack of stakeholder involvement in by-law development. She highlighted challenges with parents who resist efforts to return child marriage victims to school.
"Parents ask us to take all the responsibility of supporting the child with school needs since they never support the idea of letting the child return to school," she said.
Health statistics reveal concerning trends: Chakhaza Health Centre recorded 267 teenage pregnancies between January and November 2024, while Dzoole Health Centre registered 229 cases among 15-19-year-olds.
Senior Chief Chakhaza is committed to working with stakeholders to implement the revised by-laws to address these challenges.