By Watipa Nyalugwe

Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to ending gender based violence (GBV) in the country by ensuring a safe space for women and girls.

Speaking during a press briefing on 16 Days of Activism Against GBV at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Friday, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, emphasized the importance of national unity in combating GBV

She called upon all Malawians to work together to eradicate violence.

“President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has allocated resources to support efforts to end GBV through effective programming and community engagement,” she said.

The minister has since expressed hope that this year’s activities will inspire greater collaboration to create safer communities for women and girls across Malawi.

World Vision Advocacy Campaign and Safeguarding Manager, Lizzie Lombe, stressed on the devastating effects of GBV on families, particularly children.

“When women are abused, they often suffer from mental health challenges that impact their ability to care for their children. This can lead to issues like malnutrition among children as mothers struggle to fulfill their roles due to trauma,” Lombe explained.

16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. It serves as a platform for advocacy, awareness and action against all forms of GBV.

This year’s launch of the campaign will take place at Mphasa Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority Nkumba in Phalombe District.

It is expected that First Lady Monica Chakwera will grace the event as the guest of honour.