UN Women says gender-based violence (GBV) remains a big challenge because fighters are failing to address its root causes.

UN Women country representative Letty Chiwara said this on Tuesday at Mpatsa Community Day Secondary School in Nsanje when stakeholders signed a pledge to end GBV in the country.

Chiwara presents GBV situation in the country

She said: “Yes,we are making strides, communities are taking action on GBV issues through raising awareness and reporting, which has resulted in the prosecution of perpetrators.

“However, it seems we are failing to dig the root causes of GBV which is the power dynamic between women and men and social norms that perpetuate superiority between women and men.”

Chiwara said she was pleased that Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati, senior government officers, UN agencies’ leaders, chiefs and politicians signed a pledge to end GBV.

Nsanje district gender officer Hope Kahowera-Kasale blamed some traditional practices for fuelling GBV in the country.

“Despite awareness campaigns, some communities continue to practise the same,” she said.

However, Senior Chief Malemia said it is not easy for people to change their traditional practices overnight.

The chief said: “Let people know that it is not easy for people to stop following what they used to follow since they were born.

“We thank the Spotlight Initiative Programme for helping to enlighten communities on some harmful cultural practices they need to abandon.”

Speaking recently in Nsanje District, Minister of Local Government Blessings Chinsinga encouraged Malawians to observe good cultural practices that will preserve their identities.

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