DIGITAL PLATFORMS ENCOURAGED TO END GBV

By Aamon Butao

Various stakeholders say digital platforms have a crucial role to play in ending gender based violence and other rights violations. 

This has been disclosed during a weeklong digital training organized by a consortium of organizations including mHub, Tingathe, Play Football Malawi and the British Council through Its Our Shared Goal Program.

Speaking to Timveni, mHub Programs Manager Monica Ndalama said it is sad that sexual abuse cases are still rampant despite several interventions.

Ndalama said, “The training provides an opportunity to young girls from Ntandire in Lilongwe to utilize technology in reporting abuse as well as learn basic defensive skills to be able to confront perpetrators.”

Among others, Ndalama explained, the young girls have been urged to use mobile phone to report gender based violence and other human rights abuses.

“Since its launch in 2017, the Our Shared Goal project has helped to instill in girls courage to break the silence when there is any form of abuse.” Said Ndalama.

According to Ndalama, mHub is coordinating with different stakeholders like the W       omen Lawyers Association of Malawi and Police to raise awareness.

In her remarks, Women Lawyers Association of Malawi National Legal Aid Coordinator Tiyamike Chigoneka urged men to be in the forefront in ending gender based violence by stopping sexual abuse against women and girls.

Chigoneka said, “Girls should not hesitate to report to authorities whenever they have been sexually abused.”

The workshop seeks to impart young girls with skills on reporting rights abuses like sexual violence.