Headteacher for Karonga Girls Secondary School Chimwemwe Mithi Chimwenkha has urged teachers to uphold the teaching code of conduct as one way of dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) in schools.
Chimwenkha was speaking during a women panel discussion conducted on Tuntufye Radio wrapping up the commemoration of 16 days of activism against GBV in Karonga.
The panel discussion was organised by Governance for Solutions through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“When dealing with GBV in schools, it is essential that teachers remember the ethics of their work. At our school, teachers are encouraged not to assist learners alone but rather they should be in a group to avoid being tempted to commit this malpractice,” said Chimwenkha.
“We also provide continuous professional development training for teachers, recognising their crucial role in combating GBV by integrating awareness into their lessons and empowering students to understand its causes, consequences, and impact,” she added.
On her part, District Gender Officer for Karonga, Ireen Mwenelupembe, said teachers can foster a culture of gender equality in the classroom by encouraging students to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and biases.
“Teachers can provide a safe and supportive environment for students who have experienced GBV, listening to their concerns and connecting them with resources and services.
“They should also be at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by harmful behaviours and attitudes that contribute to GBV,” said Mwenelupembe.
She said negative cultural beliefs, poor reporting mechanisms, and a lack of resources are some of the things hindering the fight against GBV in Karonga.
“There is a need to intensify awareness on the dangers of GBV to eliminate the malpractice, so we need as much support as we can get from various stakeholders,” she explained.
