By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, March 15, Mana: Machinga District Council has called upon people in the district to continue promoting equal opportunities, fair treatment and strive to create space where every woman’s dream should come true against all odds

District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma made the call on Saturday at Traditional Authority Sitola’s area as the district commemorated International Women’s Day.

He said previously, men had more privileges in every aspect of life in the society at the expense of women.

Mateamu said empowering women is a collective responsibility but also vital for gender equality, adding that there was need for the society to accord women opportunity to take up various positions that should give them room to contribute to socio-economic development.

“Society benefits when women are treated with respect and are not treated as second class citizens. Today, we are celebrating remarkable achievements of women who shape our communities, lead our organisations, and inspire future generations,” he said.

He therefore appealed to women to uplift and support one another and continue to break barriers, saying when women rise, the world also rises.

Mateauma asked people in the district to stand against child marriages in their respective areas, observing that some communities entertain child marriage at the expense of children’s future.

Machinga Police, Officer In charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jane Mandala advised women to speak out whenever they are oppressed or encounter any form of abuse.

She said Machinga Police, under Victim Support Unit was always available to address all issues relating to gender based violence (GBV).

“Most of the women here in Machinga conceal information whenever they are abused. Let me ask you women, youths and even men to come out when you experience any sort of gender based violence,” said Mandala.

In his remarks, Traditional Authority Sitola said local leaders in the area were doing everything to deal with GBV but said there was still more to be done to completely stop GBV.

“Child marriages are still rampant in our communities despite our effort to eradicate them. We are however trying our best to ensure that such malpractices are dealt with now and forever “ he said.

This year’s International Women’s Day is commemorated under the theme; For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.