By Linda Kwanjana
National Advocacy Platform, (NAP) has strongly condemned what they call barbaric and degrading treatment of women who were undressed in Ndirande, Blantyre following the President visit yesterday ahead of John Chilembwe’s Day commemoration.
In a press statement released on 15th January, 2025, NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma describes the acts as violation of human dignity, a direct assault on women’s rights and an affront to the values of coexistence and natural respect that underpin democratic society.
“This recent attack is not an isolation incident but part of a disturbing treat of politically motivated violence,” reads part of the statement.
The grouping sighted series of event including violence at Mbowe, the assault of Moses Kunkuyu’s convoy in Ndirande, the stoning of President’s motorcade in Blantyre, the attack of AFORD supporters in Mponela among others, as an indication to a growing culture of political intolerance and impunity that threatens the country’s democratic values.
Attacking women for their political affiliation or attire is a gross violation of their fundamental rights. Public undressing is an act of humiliation that undermines the dignity, bodily, autonomy and participation of women in political and social spheres of our nation,” the letter adds.
NAP is therefore calling the police to act decisively by identifying, apprehending and prosecuting all perpetuators of this and other politically motivated crimes and they are calling for swift and visible justice to deter further acts of violence and restore public trust on the rule on law.
NAP concludes by advising political party leaders to take responsibility for promoting civility and tolerance among their supporters saying that leardership is measured by ability to foster unity and respect even in the face of political differences.
NAP is also advising the citizenry to honor the legacy of heroes like John Chilembwe whose fight for dignity, equality and justice laid the foundation for the country’s democracy.
They call upon government, civil political leaders, to jointly condemns the acts of violence and help to build a society grounded in respect of human rights, dignity and the rule of law.
