The University of Malawi (UNIMA) and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), have launched a Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBVIE) module.
The launch took place at UNIMA’s Great Hall in Zomba, under the theme “Responding to the Unseen Crisis: GBV in Emergencies,” with funding from Ireland.
Speaking during the ceremony, Director of Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Ben Mbwana, said the module aims to equip individuals with knowledge and skills to address GBV during natural disasters.
He said that the initiative aims to build the capacity of University students and humanitarian practitioners by equipping them with theoretical and operational knowledge to prevent, mitigate and respond to GBV during emergencies.
Mbwana emphasized the need for experts to deal with GBV, citing research findings that women and children suffered from GBV during disasters due to demands for sex in exchange for relief items.
“Research revealed that women and children suffered during disasters due to high demand for sex favours by authorities in exchange for donated items,” he said.
UNIMA Vice Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu highlighted the university’s role in conducting research and teaching, stating that the module will educate students and staff on GBV prevention and response.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, Ronan Sweeney, noted that GBV is rampant in many countries, especially during natural disasters in Malawi, and believes the module will impart valuable knowledge and skills.
DoDMA’s Principal Disaster Preparedness Officer, Zione Chimata Viyazyi, emphasized that the module will equip university students with knowledge to deal with GBV, ultimately contributing to a more effective response to GBV in emergencies.
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