GBV CASES REDUCED IN KARONGA THROUGH THE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS PROJECT
By Wantwa Mwakasungula – TFM
It has been a remarkably transformative journey throughout the year with the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health rights project in Karonga district in Karonga district under the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Desk of Karonga Diocese.
This initiative has yielded bountiful results as stakeholders, mothers’ groups, male champions, and religious leaders from various areas within Karonga are significantly contributing to assisting individuals experiencing gender-based violence.
During an interview, the Project Coordinator, Vincent Bwinga, expressed that the project has not only raised awareness among stakeholders about the nature of gender-based violence but has also prompted the formulation of gender-specific laws in their respective regions.
This legislative action has resulted in a decrease in gender-based violence cases.
Bwinga further elaborated that the enactment of gender-related laws by various stakeholders has facilitated the repatriation of individuals, particularly children, who were at risk of being trafficked to neighboring countries such as Tanzania.
This has enabled them to resume their education and pursue employment opportunities, thereby averting early marriages.
“Our future endeavors aim to ensure that stakeholders continue their active involvement in addressing gender-based violence cases even after the project concludes, and to advocate for the empowerment of women to hold leadership positions,”remarked Bwinga.
In response to these efforts, Sarai Mutonga, a survivor from the Chikutu area, has experienced a significant transformation in her life.
Following her completion of a three-month training program last year, she was provided with a sewing machine by the project, which has enabled her to support her children.
Geophry Kawonga, the Chairperson of the Chisi and Chikutu area, commended the Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health rights project in Karonga district, noting that this year, they handled nine cases in their region.
Through the utilization of gender-related laws, they were able to effectively assist each individual by providing appropriate interventions to address such injustices.
With financial support from the NCA-DCA country program through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, the Justice and Peace department of the Diocese of Karonga is implementing the Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health rights project in Karonga district.