Malawi: Stakeholders in Chitipa District have asked the government of Malawi to consider construct safer homes for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors in the district. The call was made to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.
The gender-based violence is a highly crucial issue which the government is trying hard to address. The organizations which have made the call, include YouthNet and Counselling (YONECO). The District Manager for Chitipa, Dunreck Pande, made the announcement on Tuesday.
He was at the time attending a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting. The aim of the meeting with the stakeholders was to disseminate the National Male Engagement Strategy (NMES).
The stakeholders have also confirmed that the strategy is being funded by UNAIDS.Pande said that GBV survivors are subjected to other abuses in the absence of district safer homes.
“As a district we need safer homes for GBV survivors so that they can be in a safer place,” Pande appealed.
Director responsible for Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Alice Mkandawire, pointed out that safer homes are important not only in Chitipa District but the country as a whole.
Mkandawire said safer homes are a big issue in every district of the country and the government alone cannot afford to construct them in every district. The officials have share
“As stakeholders you can mobilise support from community, partners, and even district councils to come up with safer homes for Gender Based Violence survivors,” Mkandawire said.
She then appealed to the stakeholders to unite and do something for the GBV survivors in Chitipa district.
The government of Malawi formulated the strategy aimed at promoting involvement of men and boys in ending GBV and reducing HIV/AIDS, increasing uptake of sexual reproductive health rights services and promoting gender equality among women, men, girls and boys.
The provision of safe houses for gender based violence survivors will help the victims in starting their life afresh. They do not have to worry about their safety and security with the new set up and can start their journey to move past their experiences
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