By Pemphero Mpho Musowa
Social norms are said to be fueling Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the country.
This came out on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Phalula Primary School Ground in Balaka District during the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Balaka District Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Tiya Malungo said apart from economic challenges and climate change issues, social norms are the contributing factors to Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the country.
She said there is a need for collaborative efforts to sensitise people on the effects of Gender Based Violence and how it affects the country’s development.
Malungo urged men to report Gender Based Violence issues to Police and other relevant authorities.
Dr Malunga further said men die in silence when they encounter Gender Based Violence cases in their families and fear being laughed at by their fellow men.
She said it is high time men who are abused by their wives to come in the open to report such abuses to relevant authorities to curb Gender Based Violence cases in the families.
Malungo further said women and girls are the major victims of Gender Based Violence, hence asked them to report to Police and relevant authorities once abused.
Phalula Police Unit Officer In-charge Superintendent Patrick Khuoge said the district is registering an increase in Gender Based Violence cases because people are now aware of where to report after being abused in anyway unlike previously when they were not aware of where to report Gender Based Violence cases.
He said Police will continue conducting sensitisation meetings with people on effects of Gender Based Violence and where to report them so that cases of Gender Based Violence are reduced.
He explained that Police cannot work in isolation hence the need to join hands in fighting Gender Based Violence cases in the country.
Balaka District Gender Officer Scolastica Datch Shawa who said the fight against Gender Based Violence cases requires much efforts by all stakeholders, saying it is only when stakeholders join hands, Gender Based Violence cases can be reduced.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is celebrated under the theme: Unite to end violence against women and girls: Towards Beijing +30.
