By Eranivey Temani

Lilongwe, May 19, Mana:  The Lilongwe District Council’s Gender Officer, Lirani Hanna Katutu, has urged women and girls to report GBV cases to relevant authorities as a way of curbing the malpractice.  

The Gender Officer made the call at Nsundwe Trading Center on Saturday during the commemoration of Women’s International Day at district level.

She said the council has an obligation of making sure that women and girls are free from any sorts of violence in the district, and that they are empowered and supported for national development.

“Women are vital for the development of this country; They need all the support they can get from authorities and the community at large, including empowerment and appointment to decision-making positions,” she said.

Katutu further outlined the council's initiatives aimed at promoting women's rights and participation in leadership roles, such as councilors and members of parliament.

She added that the council has already created a supportive environment where women can thrive and report cases of violence without hesitation. 

A local businesswoman from the area, Aness Chiipira, hailed the council for the initiative, saying it will bring positive impact on women's economic empowerment.

 “We thank them for encouraging us that we can rise to any positions in life, and also that we can venture into small businesses and farming, “said Chiipira.

A learner at Mdzobwe Primary School in the area, Alepha Phiri, who participated in a competition during the event, also hailed the council for the awareness on reporting GBV cases.

Phiri said, as a girl child still in school, she found the awareness vital and timely.

“This initiative will help us successfully achieve our dreams, and I am happy that the council officials identified relevant authorities, to champion this initiative, because we need unity in this fight,” she said.

The event was spiced up with several performances such as dancing competition, drama and Coca-Cola drinking competition among others.

This year's International Women's Day was commemorated under the theme “All Women's and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.