As Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV), EDWIN NYIRONGO engages Parliamentary Women Caucus chairperson, who is Zomba Thondwe legislator Roseby Gama Gadama, to shed more light on this annual global engagement. Excerpts:

How important are 16 days of activism?

The days are important because they are moments to create public awareness about what needs to be changed to prevent one gender from abusing another. In the case of Malawi, women have, for a long time, been victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

Why is it that the campaign is not as louder as before?

They are a number of factors. First, GBV incidences are somehow reducing because of on-going campaign as well as the arrest and prosecution of some perpetrators. Second, the programme has for a long time relied heavily on support from donors, whose interests sometimes change. Third, just like many initiatives, when getting introduced, there is so much hype, but with time, they stabilise. It is as if they are not happening, but the truth is that GBV has continued to live among societies.

But GBV seems to be increasing. Why is this so?

It is difficult to explicitly claim that GBV is on the increase despite vigorous campaigns. This is because of lack of empirical data in some instances.

What are you doing to ensure that cultural practices that entice GBV are eliminated?

As women parliamentarians, we go around our membership constituencies organising sensitisation meetings on dangers of GBV. We also support victims of GBV by directing them to where they can get necessary support. I am talking about places such as victim support units, hospitals and any referral where they can be assisted. Personally, as a legislator, I preach on the evils of GBV during my meetings. I have also constructed a police unit where they can report matters of GBV.

What role should men take to end GBV?

Men should join women in the fight against GBV. They should be encouraged to attend GBV awareness campaigns for them to learn. It is only through understanding it, especially its negative impact on women, that men can help to stop it.

What roles do witchdoctors play in accelerating GBV?

Witchdoctors cheat women that with concoction they give them so that their men should love them more. Sometimes this makes the women become rude as they believe that with the power of the juju, men will succumb to their wishes. The reality is that sometimes they receive the backlash from their husbands. Again, some witchdoctors sleep with desperate women who come to them for assistance. This has to be put to a stop.

What role should law enforcers like police play to end GBV?

Law enforcers are key to ending GBV. They should be arresting those that are perpetrating the malpractice. They should assist in counselling GBV survivors.

They say prevention is better than cure. Law enforcers should also assist in sensitisation campaigns so that GBV cases can be prevented. They should also be able to collect data on GBV and make it available for public use.

What are the types of GBV cases common in Malawi?

The most common ones are intimate partner violence, rape, common assault, child molesting, cheating on spouses and sexual violence.

Do you have any message about GBV?

Stop GBV, report GBV issues. Early reporting of GBV cases is good as the matter may be resolved at an early stage before they culminate into mental health issues..

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