Women and girls from the Traditional Authority Kachere in Dedza district said they are now energised with the knowledge they have on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including the referral pathways from the two-day training that YICOD conducted last week with support from the Hlanganisa Community Fund.
During the training, women and girls learned about understanding disabilities and the different forms of GBV, with examples of issues faced by women and girls with disabilities in the area, including their impacts. They also learned about referral pathways to improve reporting of GBV-related issues.
Speaking after the training, one of the women, Joyce Bandawe, said the knowledge she gained was invaluable, as she learned new information about GBV and how to handle and report it. She added that, despite having a sight problem, she cares for a girl child with disabilities, and the knowledge will help her protect her own child and others in her village, as she plans to share what she has learned.
"As someone who is caring for the girl child with disabilities, I feel empowered with the skills I have learnt throughout the training. Now I know the steps I have to follow and where to report any matter related to GBV, as you know girls with disabilities are at high risk of GBV."
"I will ensure that the knowledge I have gained throughout the training, I share with my neighbouring families in my village,” she said.
Another attendee, Laika Limbikani, who comes from the area of Group Village Head Mkhoma Wanthu 2, applauded YICOD for organising the training, saying the knowledge of GBV has come at the right time, as most women and girls in the area are facing GBV, especially in their marriages.
"This is good training as it has given us crucial knowledge. The training has come at a time when cases of GBV are rampant in this area; a month can’t go by without hearing something related to GBV. As women and girls, we will use this knowledge to protect and defend our rights,” she said.
Kalibwanji speaking with the participants during the training
Memory Nkhoma from the Victim Support Unit at Dedza Police Station encouraged women to always seek justice whenever their rights are violated. She emphasized that those in marriages should not feel discouraged by cultural sayings like "Banja ndikupilira," which translates to "There is a need to have perseverance in marriage."
"Let’s always speak up when we face gender-based violence (GBV) in our marriages. Our offices are open, and we will act swiftly to ensure that the rights of women and girls are respected and protected. We must not be discouraged by harmful cultural norms that prevent women from disclosing the GBV they experience," she stated.
Diana Joshua, an Assistant Social Welfare Officer for Dedza District Council, echoed Nkhoma's sentiments, saying, “We need to join hands to fight GBV. The only way to effectively address this issue is by reporting GBV cases, so that they can be followed up and appropriate action can be taken.”
In her remarks, YICOD’s Programmes Manager said the organisation is working with various district stakeholders to ensure that GBV towards women and girls with disabilities is addressed.
"We are happy with the response that our project is getting in this area. As YICOD, we are working tirelessly to ensure that we create a GBV-free environment for women and girls, including those with disabilities, and we believe this will be possible through collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” she said.
With support from the Hlanganisa Community Fund, YICOD is implementing a project titled “Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Combating GBV" in Traditional Authority Kachere in Dedza district.
