Rural communities urged to stop withdrawing GBV cases
From January, the district gender office registered 631 GBV cases, a 25% decrease from last year.
CHITIPA, Malawi- The gender office in Chitipa district has condemned the tendency of some rural communities to withdraw reported cases of gender-based violence, saying it negatively affects efforts to fight the vice, writes Patricia Kayuni.
"Men are dying silently," said James Gubudu, gender development officer for the district, at a commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence organized by the Small Producers Development and Transporters Association.
Gubudu said the office and other stakeholders are working to reduce GBV cases but get discouraged when victims withdraw their complaints.
He urged men to share burdens with peers when abused, saying there are platforms where they can report confidentially.
"I urge them to take advantage of peer gatherings and sometimes drinking joints where they can freely sit down and talk to their friends," Gubudu said.
He commended the association for taking the commemoration to a rural area where people have little access to GBV information.
Village Headman Mwenemulembe admitted community members have withdrawn cases but blamed ignorance.
He vowed that with new knowledge, leaders will ensure no cases are withdrawn and perpetrators are prosecuted.
Allen Kumwenda, executive director of the association, said the event complements projects helping women acquire property, gain economic freedom and reduce dependence on men. He said the rural venue aimed to spread GBV awareness.
From January, the district gender office registered 631 GBV cases, a 25% decrease from last year.