Various stakeholders in Dedza district have expressed their optimism regarding a project titled "Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)," which YICOD is implementing in the district. They believe the project will bring positive changes, mainly in ensuring that the rights of women and girls are respected and safeguarded.
These stakeholders made these remarks of optimism during the inception meetings supported by the Hlanganisa Community Fund, which YICOD has been conducting.
Speaking at the Kachere Area Development Committee (ADC) under Traditional Authority Kachere in the district where the project is being implemented, members of the committee described YICOD’s initiative, which aims to create a safe and supportive environment for women and girls with disabilities to access essential services, as beneficial for community development.
The chairperson of the committee, Kelvin David, stated that the project will contribute to the area's development, emphasising that GBV hampers progress. He noted that involving everyone and protecting the rights of women and girls with disabilities will help community members recognise, respect, and safeguard their rights, enabling them to participate freely in development processes.
He also added that the project will enhance the reporting system for GBV issues in the area, allowing relevant authorities to address them as quickly as possible.
“You are welcome here in TA Kachere; you are not new here, as we have been working on several aspects and projects. Now that you have come with this project, we are happy. We are confident that by the end of this project, many women and girls with disabilities, along with the entire community, will be aware of the reporting system for GBV matters and their referral pathways. This will aid in the development processes of this area,” he said.
In his remarks, Anthony Chaima, a representative of persons with disabilities in Kachere ADC, stated that the project will help ensure the rights of women and girls with disabilities are protected and that all forms of GBV they face are dealt with.
Speaking during the introduction of the project to the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting for Dedza, Liznet Kathyole, the Gender Officer for Dedza district, applauded YICOD for bringing a unique project, as it targets a minority group and ensures that everyone is involved in the development of the district and the country.
YICOD is implementing this 18-month project, expected to end in June 2026, in the areas of three Group Village Heads under T/A Kachere: Fosa, Mkhoma Wanthu 2, and Kachere, with financial support from the Hlanganisa Community Fund amounting to 162,000 South African Rands.
