Women and girls continue to face the harsh reality of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Malawi, which takes various forms and causes significant harm to victims, impacting multiple aspects of their lives. For example, 34% of married women who have experienced spousal violence report physical injuries, with 11% suffering serious harm such as deep wounds, broken bones, and broken teeth. In total, 41% of women aged 15-49 have faced either physical or sexual violence, with the majority of perpetrators being men—46% report their current husbands as the perpetrators, while 26% cite former husbands. Alarmingly, less than half (40%) of women who experience violence seek help to stop it, and 49% never report the violence or seek assistance. This reflects a culture of silence, despite existing laws.
There is a pressing need to encourage reporting, equip service providers to improve access to justice, and strengthen redress mechanisms. NGOGCN's focus will therefore be on:
a. Eliminating GBV, including sexual violence against girls.
b. Addressing harmful practices that perpetuate GBV, including the maiming and killing of women and girls with albinism.
Strategic Issue: GBV affects women, girls, and, in some cases, men and boys in Malawi. The legal, cultural, and social environment often discourages reporting of GBV, and some cultural practices exacerbate harmful sexual and reproductive health practices. Knowledge of GBV and human rights, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, is still low in Malawi. Existing laws, such as the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (2006), need to be fully enforced to ensure better access to justice for women and girls.
Strategic Goal: To create a violence-free society that upholds the rights of women and girls.
i. Strategic Objective 1: Increase knowledge of human rights (including women’s and children’s rights) and raise awareness of the root causes of GBV and its negative impacts on the community and the nation.
ii. Strategic Objective 2: Eliminate harmful practices that perpetuate GBV.
iii. Strategic Objective 3: Reduce sexual violence against young girls.
iv. Strategic Objective 4: Decrease the maiming, killing, and abuse of persons with albinism, particularly women and girls.