By Burnett Munthali
In a powerful call to action, Cosmass Maricello, project officer for the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), has emphasized the crucial need to empower underrepresented groups in Malawi to participate in decision-making processes aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Maricello made these remarks during a two-day training session held at the Dowa Teachers Development Centre (TDC) in Dowa district, where he outlined strategies for fostering awareness and engagement on GBV issues.
Maricello underscored that providing knowledge and resources to disadvantaged groups, particularly women and girls, is essential for enabling them to raise awareness about GBV, make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health, and understand the mechanisms for reporting incidents of violence. He noted, “Empowerment is about equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for their rights and to participate meaningfully in their communities.”
The training sessions focused on educating participants about their rights and the broader concepts related to GBV, aiming to dismantle the societal norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls. By empowering these groups, MAGGA aims to create a ripple effect of awareness and advocacy that extends throughout Dowa district and beyond.
Felistus Ngalande, a Social Welfare Assistant in Dowa district, commended MAGGA for its commitment to focusing on underrepresented groups. “The work being done by MAGGA is vital in helping communities understand their rights and the resources available to combat GBV,” Ngalande stated. “Knowledge is power, and empowering individuals to speak up is a significant step towards ending the cycle of violence.”
MAGGA is currently implementing a five-year project called “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG)” in Dowa district, funded by NCA/DCA. This initiative aims to create safer environments for women and girls by addressing the root causes of violence and promoting gender equality through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
As the sessions concluded, participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and determination to advocate for their rights and those of others in their communities. By fostering an environment where underrepresented voices are heard and valued, MAGGA hopes to inspire a collective movement against GBV that can lead to meaningful change in Malawi.
The commitment of organizations like MAGGA to empower marginalized groups is critical in the fight against gender-based violence. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, Malawi can make significant strides towards a future where all citizens live free from violence and discrimination.
