By Austine Kachilika

Mzimba, August 11, Mana: District Executive Committee (DEC) members for Mzimba have commended Spotlight Initiative for enhancing the fight against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in the district.

Speaking Wednesday during Spotlight Initiative exit sustainability meeting, District Gender Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, Naomi Mwale said Spotlight Initiative has helped in changing the mindset of many towards SGBV as well as improving the welfare of girls and young women in the district.

“Spotlight Initiative has helped in coming up with legislative and policy frameworks that counter gender-based violence, strengthening institutions that support the implementation of SGBV and sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) laws, policies, programmes, provision of quality services, real-time data on GBV and advocating for women’s movement and empowerment,” she said.

District Social Welfare Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, Bernard Nangwale applauded Spotlight Initiative for its holistic approach.

He said: “Spotlight Initiative has made a change in issues pertaining to gender based violence. It has tackled areas the council was unable to reach in terms of eliminating gender-based violence, promoting sexual reproductive health and women empowerment, among others”.

Spotlight Initiative representative, Mercy Mlenga said they are still committed towards eliminating gender-based violence and women empowerment in the district.

“If all goes well, we will implement Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in the near future” she said.

Spotlight Initiative was incepted in 2019 to end violence against girls and women through several interventions.