TA Njema Urges Communities to Join Hands for Girls' Protection During Disasters
Traditional Authority Njema has called on communities to work together to safeguard the well-being of girls and women affected by natural disasters.
MULANJE, Malawi- Traditional Authority Njema has called on communities to work together to safeguard the well-being of girls and women affected by natural disasters, writes Blair Mhone.
The TA issued the call during an awareness and sensitization campaign organised by the Extra Mile Development Foundation (EMDEF) in partnership with Mulanje Youth Organisation.
TA Njema acknowledged media reports showing cases of sexual and gender-based violence occurred in Mulanje camps after Cyclone Freddy hit.
"Unfortunately, victims have been threatened into silence. We cannot ignore SGBV cases in our camps. As leaders, we will work closely with EMDEF to strengthen protection committees and ensure girls and women's safety," he said.
EMDEF Project Lead Towera Ngwira praised the community's support and highlighted the urgent need to prioritise girls’ and women's safety, especially in times of crisis.
The session brought together camp leaders, council youth, social welfare, and child protection representatives. It aimed to raise awareness of the need for community collaboration to address gender-based violence within camps.
With funding from the Urgent Action Fund, EMDEF is implementing a three-month project advocating for and safeguarding the rights of young women and girls affected by Cyclone Freddy at Nanchidwa and Nanvidiyo camps in Mulanje.
Local leaders must play an active role in protecting vulnerable groups during disasters.
Communities must also work together, with support from NGOs and government departments, to prevent gender-based violence and provide justice for survivors.