GBV Worries Community Members

By Josephine Chipofya

Mzimba District is registering an increased number of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, a development that has sparred community members into action.

One of the highly affected areas is Euthini, where cases of GBV have increased from less than 100 between January and February last year to 142 so far this year.

“This is a worrisome development,” said Malaulira Chibaka, Area Development Committee Chairperson for Chindi area.

He said this yesterday when Purple Innovation for Women and Girls (PIWG) provided funds for GBV survivors.

PIWG Executive Director Patricia Mtungira said they decided to capacitate women survivors of GBV because poverty has been identified as one of the factors fuelling cases of GBV against women.

“We, therefore, want women to find something to do. If a woman is financially empowered, she cannot be abused” she added.

One of the beneficiaries, Esther MSIMUKO, said, the money would help her family.

She urged institutions such as Parliament to ensure that proper laws were passed as one way of dealing with GBV issues.

In total PIWG gave 142 women from Chindi Area K1.2 million as part of its revolving fund initiative