By Daniel Zimba:
First Lady Monica Chakwera has said education is key to defeating gender-based violence (GBV).
She said this in Phalombe District Monday, when stakeholders launched activities marking 16 Days of Activism Against GBV with a focus on addressing the problem of GBV and promoting girls’ education.
Chakwera, who was the guest of honour, emphasised the importance of joint efforts in controlling the vice.
She further said more efforts needed to be made to achieve the country’s targets by 2030.
“We only have 5 percent of our girls making it to secondary school level, which is not satisfying.
“An educated girl can be active in fighting gender-based violence. So, let’s work together,” Chakwera said.
On her part, Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Minister Jean Sendeza called for mindset change among people.
“We are making progress. We have strategies and we have policies but what is remaining is for people to accept and normalise standing against violence,” Sendeza said.
On her part, United Nations Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to supporting Malawi in putting GBV perpetrators in check.
“We are here to work together in ending gender-based violence and we will continue supporting Malawi,” she said.
The launch, which took place at Mpasa Community Day Secondary School, attracted community members, government officials, traditional leaders and non-governmental organisations, among other stakeholders.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign is running under the theme ‘Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls: Towards Beijing+30’.
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