Karonga District Council chairperson Isaac Kalambo has asked traditional leaders in the district to formulate and reinforce community by-laws to end gender-based violence (GBV).

He made the call on Saturday at Mwenilondo in Sub-Traditional Authority (ST/A) Mwangolera during the launch of the district’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

“We want by-laws in all traditional authorities to eliminate GBV in the district. We have also asked our law enforcement agencies such as the police and court to expedite all GBV cases,” said Kalambo.

He further asked non-governmental organisations (NGOs) implementing GBV projects in the district to intensify awareness campaigns to eliminate the vice.

Foundation for Community Support Services project officer Robert Silungwe, who spoke on behalf of NGOs operating in the district, asked for collaboration among stakeholders to fight GBV.

He said: “We need support from development partners because now only the Evangelical Association of Malawi and Plan Malawi are implementing GBV projects in the district.

“We need more NGOs because Karonga, being a lakeshore and border district, there are many contributing factors that promote GBV.”

Karonga district director of education, youth and sports Sarah Khozi Jere, who represented district commissioner Paul Kalilombe, said GBV has affected her sector which has led to school dropouts due to early marriages and child labour in Tanzania.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga, who is also ambassador for He for She Campaign, urged parents to send their children to school to become productive citizens instead of marrying them off.

Karonga district gender development officer Ireen Mwenilupembe asked people to step up efforts in the battle against GBV.

“Common GBV cases include excluding women in economic activities, sexual violence and land grabbing,” she said.

The commemoration started with a solidarity march from Matema Turn-off to Mwenilondo.

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