Malawi: Machinga District Council has called upon people in the district to continue promoting equal opportunities, fair treatment and strive to create space where every womans dream should come true against all odds.
District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma was present at Traditional Authority Sitolas area when they celebrated International Women’s Day. During this celebration, the district commissioner urged communities to support his vision for a better life for women.
He said previously, men had more privileges in every aspect of life in the society at the expense of women.
Mateamu said empowering women is a collective responsibility but also vital for gender equality, adding that there was need for the society to accord women opportunity to take up various positions that should give them room to contribute to socio-economic development.
The district commissioner claimed that women should not be treated like second class citizens. The organization and community celebrated the achievements of women who shape our communities, lead our organisations, and inspire future generations.
He therefore urged to women to uplift and support one another and continue to break barriers, saying when women rise, the world also rises.
Mateauma urged the people in the district to oppose child marriages in their respective areas. The district commissioner has shared that the child marriages can destroy the future of these children.
Machinga Police, Officer In charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jane Mandala urged the women to report their abuse. The officer said that Victim Support Unit will always be available to address all GBV issues.
“Most of the women here in Machinga conceal information whenever they are abused. Let me ask you women, youths and even men to come out when you experience any sort of gender based violence,” said Mandala.
Traditional Authority Sitola said local leaders in the area were making every possible effort to deal with GBV. However, the adminstration needs to do more to completely eradicate GBV.
“Child marriages are still a major issue in communities despite communities’ effort to eradicate them. The adminstration is trying their best to ensure that such malpractices are dealt with now and forever.
This years theme for the International Women’s Day was: For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.