23 November, 2018 marked a national double launch of the 16 Days of activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and ‘Ndiulura, I won’t Be Silent’ Campaigns at College of Medicine Ground in Blantyre, Malawi.
The two campaigns are predominantly aimed at dealing with GBV. The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an international campaign that runs every year from 25 November which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (VAW), to 10 December, the Human Rights Day. On the other hand, a national wide campaign called #Ndiulula, I Won’t Be Silent whose main goal is to help women and girls to break the silence on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) especially sexual harassment in workplaces.
The function was presided over by the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Honourable Cecilia Chazama. The function started with a solidarity march from Kamuzu Upper Stadium to the venue. The march was led by Malawi Prisons Brass Band and YONECO Children’s Band. In addition to this, YONECO Theatre Troupe spiced up the occasion with traditional songs that were coated with GBV awareness messages.
The Guest of Honour, firstly toured pavilions which various institutions mounted at the function. On YONECO pavilion, the Minister was told how the institution responds to reports on GBV.
GBV cases are reported to YONECO through a dedicated toll free line (The GBV Crisis Line – 5600) as well as walk in clients who report to either Tithandizane Helpline Centre or other district offices across the country.
The Minister expressed optimism that YONECO’s GBV Crisis Line (5600) will continue supporting survivors of violence.
The GBV Crisis Line is a confidential reporting mechanism that operates 24 hours every day. The service exists to respond to all forms of GBV and helps to ensure that survivors are properly linked to other existing services.
The launch that was aired live on YONECO FM Radio Station (YFM) was held under the theme; End Gender Based Violence in the world of work and tertiary institutions.
