DOC and Stakeholders launch of 16 Days of Gender Activism

The Social Services Directorate of the diocese of Chikwawa on 3rd December joined hands with various stakeholders in Chikwawa district in officially launching the 16 Days of Activism- an international event organized to challenge violence against women and children. The event is always slated for 25th November to 10th December every year.

In Chikwawa, the event was held at Ndakwera Primary school, under the theme: Orange Malawi, End Violence against women and girls, Act now. The event was patronized by various individuals including council Vice Chairperson, Ziggy Mlonya who was the guest of honor.

Speaking at the event, the guest of honor challenged the stakeholders present to end violence against women and girls in the district. He implored various players at community and district level to put up effective sensitization and reporting mechanisms. He, in addition, called for stronger by laws.

‘Apart from our sensitization efforts l want to call on chiefs to facilitate the formulation and implementation of community by laws. I am quite confident that an effective implementation of by laws can really help end abuses being experienced by women and girls.

The event begun with a Solidarity march from Ndakwera Health center to Ndakwera Primary school. This was followed by Pavilion session through which a number of CSOs demonstrated their works in the fight against Gender Based Violence.

Various stakeholders made contributions for the event. The Social Services Directorate donated various items to the tune of six hundred thousand kwacha. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Projects Coordinator Lewis Msiyadungu who is also chairperson for CSOs in the district described the event as colorful and likely to trigger various GBV interventions. He said the event had clearly shown that there is massive coordination among the CSOs.

‘we the CSOs played a significant role for this event to happen. This to me clearly indicates we can achieve greater things if we are to coordinate.’

Largely, the event was characterized by awareness speeches, performances, and plenary sessions. From a wider view, it was the young children, mostly learners of surrounding schools that made the day memorable. They organized role plays, traditional dances, poetry and several other activities.

Other individuals who delivered speeches included the Gender Officer, Victoria Nkasala, TA Ndakwera, and Councilor Andrew Bede.

The launch of 16 Days of Gender Activism generally takes place in all districts after the launch at national level-which took place in Dedza this year.