Gender-Based Violence (GBV) casts a long shadow over Malawi’s communities, taking a profound toll on the mental health and well-being of individuals—children, women, and even men—contrary to the common perception that men are always the strongest. The consequences ripple beyond individuals, affecting families, schools, and the nation’s progress.
The story begins at home. According to the Social Welfare Office, parents can become perpetrators of social injustice when children are raised in cruel or abusive environments.
Leadwell Phiri-Assistant Social Welfare Officer, addressed this issue during a two-days Gender Justice Awareness Campaign organized by UmunthuPlus in the Nkhotakota district, covering the Traditional Authorities of Kanyenda, Mwadzama, and Kalimanjira.
“Many parents are unintentionally harming their children through brutal punishments,” Phiri explained. “When a child faces abuse, it often reflects a breakdown in parental guidance, where severe discipline replaces understanding and support. This can cause lasting psychological harm.”
Statistics from May alone paint a grim picture: 16 cases of abuse were reported at the T/A Kanyenda level—4 involving men, 12 women, and 6 children.
The Social Welfare Office warns that these numbers may be just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear.
More so, the impact of GBV extends into the education sector. The government is actively seeking strategies to ensure that children’s right to education is protected, even as abuse threatens their attendance and performance.
Marcel Elifala-Chief Education Officer, stressed the importance of supporting children who drop out due to abuse.
“If a child leaves school, we must find ways to bring them back until they complete their education. No child should be left behind because of violence at home or in the community.”He said
Persons with disabilities also face additional vulnerabilities, including sexual and health-related abuse. Discrimination and lack of support further marginalize them.
According to William Afaki-Chairperson for district diasability forum in Nkhotakota,People with disabilities often suffer in silence.
“In court, we lack sign language interpreters, making it hard for victims to seek justice. Sometimes abuse happens because of ignorance, other times because people know they can get away with it.”he said
Thus, Law enforcement plays a critical role in the fight against GBV. Police officers in Nkhotakota urge all victims-women and men-not to stay silent as some forms of violence are too serious to ignore regardless of gender.
However, the judiciary is facing challenges, particularly in providing accessible services for all survivors. Gaps remain in legal support, especially for people with disabilities, but ongoing training and advocacy are starting to make a difference.
Kingsley Buleya, one Judicial officer commende umunthuplus for supporting the judiciary to enlighten people about the referral sysstems that are available when they are abused because it’s hard to take message to the masses when the resources are limited.
UmunthuPlus, through its gender officer-Andrew Chikasamba, emphasized the organization’s commitment to changing mindsets and supporting survivors.
“We have put in place strategies in form of radio programs and awareness campaigns inorder to challenge the harmful norms that exist and encourage open conversations about gender justice,” he said
The Gender Justice Awareness Campaign is part of the Community Action for Gender Empowerment (CAGE) Project which is being implemented by UmunthuPlus with financial support from a consortium of partners-Tilitonse Foundation,Comic relief and the UK International Development Fund.
