By James Mwale

Ntchisi, December 11, Mana: Ntchisi district has registered 4,975 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in 2024 compared to 3,309 cases they registered in 2023 representing a 33.5 percent reporting increase.

The development was brought to light on Tuesday at Ng’ombe Primary School ground, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo during an Open Day event in commemoration of 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

In her speech, District’s Gender Officer, Chikondi Macheso attributed the reporting increase to increased awareness interventions by key players including the district council, chiefs’ forum and political leadership from legislators and ward councillors.

She however said it is worrisome that most victims are young girls.

“These children fall victim to GBV mostly due to negligence of their parents and guardian. Some parents could leave children without an adult guardian leaving children vulnerable to perpetrators of abuse,” she said.

She has since called on key stakeholders in the district to go a step further by taking GBV perpetrators to book while continuing with the intensified awareness campaigns.

It was announced during the event that T/A Kalumo has recorded over 1,000 reported cases topping all T/As in the district.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Nthondo, whose area has been amongst the best performing in reporting and addressing GBV cases, asked authorities to plan for a learning visit and appreciate how others are addressing GBV issues and learn from each other.

He said: “I have also noted that our people are cutting corners in following marriage procedures and this has proved to be one of the leading contributing factors for increased cases of Gender Based Violence.

“These marriages that cut procedural corners do not know where to seek proper advice or counselling when they experience gender-related violence and end up suffering in silence.”

Chairperson of the district’s council, Councillor Marko Mphenzi Nkango has since called for collective efforts from all key players in combating GBV.

He said: “This level of increase in figures is worrisome. Let us join hands towards ending this shameful practice.”

This year’s 16 Days of Activism has been nationally commemorated under the theme: “Time to Act Now” and Ntchisi commemorated under the theme: “Let’s hold hands; Together we can end Gender Based Violence”.