By Shaffie Bakali

Mangochi, March 21, Mana: Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), a Non-Governmental Organization on good governance issues, is set to implement a one-year pilot gender-based violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) project in Traditional Authorities Namkumba, Mponda, Jalasi and Chimwala in Mangochi.

Introducing the project to gender technical working group and stakeholders on Wednesday, MEJN Executive Director Bertha Lipipa Phiri said Mangochi continues registering high cases of harmful cultural practices and alcohol and drug abuse, which accelerate GBV.

The project is budgeted at K120 million with funding from Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid and aims at fighting against inequalities to protect women and girls from the four T/As against GBV and other harmful social cultural practices.

“We noted that women and girls in Mangochi are not empowered to build their self-esteem and to realize their health, social, and expression rights.

“Through this project, we intend to increase ability to identify, counsel, care for and refer gender based violence victims to service providers. We will also enhance the role of media in preventing violence cases and amplifying the voice of women and girls to live their dignified lives,” she said.

Phiri added that the project is expected to directly benefit 200 females and 50 males from the four targeted T/As.

In his remarks, chairperson for Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network for Mangochi, Joseph Makwakwa, hailed MEJN for the project, describing it as timely intervention.

"The project has come at the right place and at the right time. Mangochi is associated with various social economic activities like tourism and fisheries activities that drive GBV cases,” he said.

Makwakwa, therefore, assured MEJN that civil society organizations in Mangochi will fully support the project to ensure its successful implementation.