Parent and Child Health Initiative (Pachi) has intensified the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Dowa District.

Speaking on Wednesday during an awareness meeting at Mtanila Primary School in Traditional Authority Chakhaza, Pachi Dowa district project coordinator Margaret Mtekateka said they are running Ifenso Project to empower GBV victims, especially the youth to report the vice to relevant authorities.

She said most youths used to suffer in silence because they did not know how to report GBV.

A learner speaks during the meeting

“However, we ask traditional leaders, who are the custodians of culture, to formulate by-laws to protect children from violence,” said Mtekateka.

She further urged collaboration among stakeholders to protect youths from GBV.

The school’s head teacher Felix Siliya commended Pachi for the awareness meeting which targeted learners, mother groups, local leaders and other stakeholders.

He said most learners experience abuse both at home and school.

“The meeting has empowered them to report various forms of abuse to relevant authorities,” said Siliya.

Village head Mdindo said he will work with fellow leaders to formulate by-laws to protect children from GBV.

“We want our children to complete their education. We will support them by formulating by-laws that will protect them from child labour and early marriages,” he said.

Pachi is implementing Ifenso Project under the Spotlight Initiative in the district.

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