“STAKEHOLDERS TRAINED ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CASES COURT PROCEEDINGS”
By Wantwa Mwakasungula – TFM
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), in collaboration with the Karonga Magistrate Court, has convened community stakeholders such as Chiefs, Mother groups, Community Victim Support Units, Zone Implementation Committees and Child Protection Workers to educate them on the proceedings of gender-based violence cases in court and to familiarize them with the operations of the Timazge Nkhaza project.
Vincent Bwinga, the project coordinator for CCJP Karonga Diocese, stated that the objective of this training is to raise awareness of community structures on court proceedings and gender related laws.
Bwinga further said that a lack of accurate information on how the courts work often leads individuals to struggle in articulating their concerns in court as a result impeding their access to assistance or legal recourse.
However, the introduction of court circuits through the Timazge Nkhaza project will empower stakeholders to significantly contribute to aiding individuals facing various challenges in their respective areas.
During the training session, Magistrate Court Clerk Alick Mbughi emphasized the importance of understanding the by-laws for stakeholders to effectively support individuals in their communities dealing with gender-based violence cases.
In response, Senior GVH of Chisi, Bern ford Msongole, expressed appreciation for the training and highlighted that as stakeholders, they will disseminate knowledge to help reduce instances of gender-based violence.
“It is imperative for us to have a comprehensive reference guide to assist us in addressing such cases within our communities,” he said.
CCJP Is implementing the Timazge Nkhaza project in three Traditional Authorities (T/A) of Mwakaboko, Kilupura and Kyungu with funding from the NCA-DCA Joint Country program.