Mulanje is one of the districts in Malawi which register increased number of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases. Community structures like Community Victim Support Units (CVSUs) are key in responding to such incidences at community level.
Thus, with support from UNFPA, YONECO trained all CVSU members in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Ndanga to effectively respond and spearhead SGBV prevention activities in their designated areas. The training focused on manifestations of SGBV, protecting vulnerable groups of people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and a session on various gender-related laws.
One of the participants, Rose Makatanje commended YONECO for the training which she described as practical and beneficial.
“As members of CVSUs, we have been responding to SGBV issues for a long time but we clearly had no knowledge. Now that we know, we will be diligent in rendering our services,” explained Mkatanje.
During the sessions the participants were also given a chance to share their experiences in responding to SGBV cases and the challenges they face. The training sessions were concluded with the development of action plans on how to deal with various challenges that have hinder process in preventing and responding to SGBV.
The training sessions were conducted in collaboration with Mulanje District Gender Office, the Malawi Police Service, and Mulanje District Social Welfare Office.
– By Thuliwe Mwenefumbo
