Girls Activists Youth Organisation field officer Karen Seyani has asked traditional leaders in Mchinji District to safeguard the rights of children.

She said this on Friday at Chankhanga Primary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapondo during a panel discussion on children’s rights.

Seyani said the call was informed by findings of a survey her organisation recently conducted which show a bleak child protection record in the area.

“We encourage traditional leaders, child protection committees, village development committees, teachers, guardians and others partners to join hands to protect children from abuse,” he said.

Kapondo Area Development Committee chairperson Jonathan Chagwa commended the organisation for empowering them to protect children.

“We are grappling with child marriages, teen pregnancies and child labour in the area. We want to formulate by-laws to protect girls from child marriages,” he said.

Chagwa urged traditional leaders to enforce the laws without favour to ensure success in the protection  of children from early marriages and child labour.

Group village head Kalulu said the initiative will ensure that many girls remain in school.

“When children get educated, they can contribute towards the development of their area. Education also empowers people to overcome the cycle of poverty,” he said.

The non-governmental organisation is championing child protection in T/A Kapondo through a Rusa Community Engagement Sponsorship Project with support from World vision Malawi.

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