Africa-Press – Malawi. Communities under Group Village Headman Mukomamukoko Phungwayo in Inkosi Kapingo Sibande’s area in Mzimba have been urged to speak out and report all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including rising cases of digital abuse against women and girls.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) made the call as it intensified its nationwide campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25 to December 10.
MHRC Principal Disability and Elderly Rights Officer, Radford Chilalo, said the Commission is encouraged by how openly communities are now sharing experiences of abuse, showing progress in breaking the silence around GBV.
“As the agency enforcing the Gender Equality Act, we aim to raise awareness on what constitutes GBV, its effects, and who is most vulnerable,” Chilalo noted.
Group Village Headman Mukomamukoko Phungwayo said the campaign has empowered residents to report violence.
“This campaign has opened our eyes. I urge all community members to report any GBV case to the police or relevant authorities,” he said.Representing women and girls, Gladess Moyo said the initiative has equipped them with practical skills for reporting and tracking cases.
“We now know how to report GBV and will create our own platform to record cases. Many men travel to South Africa and leave families unsupported for years. With MHRC’s guidance, we know how to address such issues,” she said.
Earlier, MHRC met the Gender Technical Working Group at M’mbelwa District Council, where it outlined its human rights mandate and disseminated Malawi’s 113 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, emphasizing those related to women’s rights and child protection.
“GBV is a serious human rights violation. The 16 Days campaign calls for urgent action from both state and non-state actors,” said Chilalo.
District Director of Planning and Development, Walter Chikuni, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to integrating human rights and gender equality into all district programmes, promising stronger coordination to protect women and girls.
The 16 Days campaign links the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to Human Rights Day, underscoring violence against women as a major rights violation.
In Mzimba, collaboration between community leaders, women’s groups and MHRC reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring no GBV case goes unreported and no survivor remains unheard.
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