By Burnett Munthali
Introduction
Rick Dzida is a renowned Malawian social commentator and advocate for social justice. Known for his sharp insights into societal issues, Dzida has been a vocal proponent of addressing the systemic challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Malawi. His work emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and meaningful interventions to build a better society.
Exclusive Interview
In light of the heartbreaking discovery of an abandoned infant in Ngabu, Chikwawa, we are privileged to have an exclusive interview with Rick Dzida. As a passionate voice for the underprivileged, Dzida shares his thoughts on the broader societal implications of this tragedy and what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future.
Questionnaire
1) What were your initial thoughts upon learning about the abandoned infant in Ngabu?
How do you think such incidents reflect on the current state of our society?
Rick Dzida (RD): Abandoning a child is a heart-breaking event especially when a mother who is supposed to protect the infant turns into a villain of her own child.
The abandonment of infants is a complex issue that reflects various societal challenges.
It may indicate economic struggles that can lead to desperation, causing some mothers to abandon their children.
It may reveal a lack of access to healthcare and family planning services.
Social stigma and shame surrounding unwed mothers, teenage pregnancies, prostitutes or children born out of wedlock can drive some mothers to abandon their children.
Unaddressed mental health issues, trauma, or substance abuse can also contribute to infant abandonment.
2) In your view, what social or economic factors might have driven the mother to abandon her child?
How can we address issues like poverty, stigma, and lack of support systems to prevent such tragedies?
RD: As I already pointed out, aeveral social factors might contribute to a mother abandoning her child such as lack of family support, societal stigma surrounding unwed mothers, and unaddressed mental health issues, trauma, or substance abuse.
Some factors include extreme poverty and economic hardships, inadequate healthcare and family planning resources, and limited education and job opportunities
Recommendations to address child abandonment
Establish emergency support services to the vulnerable mothers.
Offer counselling and mental health services to address underlying trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Provide temporary childcare assistance to alleviate pressure on mothers.
Enhance access to education, vocational training, and job opportunities to empower mothers and reduce poverty.
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, family planning resources, and education to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Encourage community-based support networks, such as parenting groups, to provide emotional support and connection.
Implement policies addressing systemic inequalities, such as poverty, stigma, and lack of access to resources, to create a more equitable society.
3) The Ngabu community has shown compassion by rallying to support the infant. How important is community solidarity in addressing such issues?
What role can local leaders and organizations play in creating long-term solutions?
RD: Community solidarity is crucial in addressing issues like infant abandonment, providing immediate support and care.
The community may provide emotional support and practical assistance to vulnerable mothers and children.
The community solidarity may foster a sense of belonging and resource mobilisation.
In a nutshell, local leaders can mobilise community support, offer advocacy services, and enhance capacity building to the vulnerable mothers and infants.
4) What steps should the government and stakeholders take to strengthen social safety nets for struggling families?
Do you think mental health resources are accessible enough for mothers facing extreme stress or despair?
RD: To strengthen social safety nets for struggling families, stakeholders can take the following steps:
Government and policy makers should create policies that address poverty, inequality, and access to healthcare, education, and social services.
Sufficient funds should be allocated to support social safety net programs, such as cash transfers, food assistance, and housing support.
All families must have access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services.
Emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and clothing, must be provided to families in crisis.
Government should provide counselling and mental health services to mothers and families facing extreme stress or despair.
Let me address the second part of your question. Mental health resources in Malawi are not yet accessible enough for mothers facing extreme stress or despair.
Barriers to access mental health conditions include: lack mental health services in all areas, particularly in rural or underserved communities.
In areas where they are available, they are usually expensive, and insurance coverage may be limited.
Another barrier is that mothers may be hesitant to seek mental health services due to stigma and shame.
5) Abandoning a child is a criminal act. How should law enforcement approach such cases, balancing justice with compassion?
What legal reforms do you believe are necessary to protect vulnerable children and families?
RD: Law enforcement should approach cases of child abandonment with sensitivity, balancing justice with compassion.
Provide immediate care and protection for the abandoned child.
Gather information about the abandonment, including the child’s identity, the location, and any witnesses.
Interview witnesses, analyze evidence, and determine the motivations behind the abandonment.
If the abandonment is deemed a criminal act, prosecute the perpetrator while considering mitigating circumstances.
Offer counselling and support services to the perpetrator, if appropriate, to address underlying issues.
Legal Reforms
To protect vulnerable children and families, consider the following legal reforms:
Strengthen child protection laws
Promote mandatory reporting by requiring professionals, like healthcare workers and teachers, to report suspected child abandonment.
Increase funding for family support services
Establish community-based programs offering support services, respite care, and emergency assistance.
Create programs focusing on rehabilitation, counselling, and community service.
Implement restorative justice practices, emphasizing reconciliation and reparation.
6) What lessons can we, as a society, learn from this tragic incident?
How can individuals contribute to ensuring no child is abandoned or left vulnerable in the future?
RD: This tragic incident offers several lessons for society:
The incident highlights the need for strong community support systems to help families in crisis.
We must work to break stigmas surrounding mental health, poverty, and single parenthood to encourage those struggling to seek help.
Focus on preventive measures, such as parenting classes, counselling, and economic support, to reduce the likelihood of child abandonment.
Advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of child abandonment, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare.
Provide support to vulnerable families, including those affected by poverty, mental health issues, or other challenges.
7) As a social commentator, what message would you like to send to the people of Malawi in light of this tragedy?
What gives you hope for a better and more compassionate society?
RD: To the people of Malawi, I am sending a message of hope and compassion. Let us provide support with compassion and empathy to families affected by poverty, mental health issues, or other challenges.
To the people of Malawi, I offer good reasons of hope in the midst of despair and hopeless. We need to promote our Malawian cultural values of Ubuntu by being resourceful, empathetic and compassionate with one another.
To my fellow Malawians, I challenge you to a call of action. Let us volunteer by donating or participating in initiatives supporting vulnerable families.
Together, we can build a more compassionate and supportive society for all Malawians.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rick Dzida for sharing his profound insights and perspectives on this sensitive issue. Your thoughtful analysis and passionate advocacy for systemic change inspire us to take action and work toward a society where no child is left behind. Thank you for taking the time to engage with this important conversation.
BM: “On behalf of everyone here, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, Rick Dzida, for sharing your profound insights and perspectives on this sensitive issue. Your thoughtful analysis and passionate advocacy for systemic change inspire us all to reflect deeply on our societal responsibilities and the collective role we must play to ensure that no child is left behind.
Your voice, filled with empathy and hope, reminds us of the power of compassion and unity. Thank you for taking the time to engage in this important conversation and for challenging us to create a better, more compassionate Malawi. We truly value your contributions and commitment to social justice. May your advocacy continue to inspire change.”
RD: “As we conclude, I want to emphasize one thing: the responsibility to care for and protect vulnerable children does not rest on one individual or organization—it is a shared duty. We must work together as a nation to break the cycles of poverty, stigma, and neglect that lead to tragedies like these.
What gives me hope is the resilience of Malawians and our capacity for empathy and action. If we channel this into creating a society rooted in justice, equality, and compassion, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Let us act, not just for today, but for the generations to come.”
“I want to leave Malawians with a message of hope, unity, and responsibility. This tragic incident reminds us of the deep societal wounds we must heal and the shared humanity that binds us. Let us cultivate a culture of empathy, where no one feels so isolated or hopeless that abandoning a child becomes an option.
Hope lies in our collective power to create change—through policy, advocacy, and daily acts of kindness. My dream for Malawi is a society that not only cares but acts, where every child has a safe home, every parent has access to support, and communities rally together to uplift one another. Let this incident be a call to action for all of us to strive for a nation that prioritizes the vulnerable and builds a future where every life is valued.”
Conclusion
BM: In conclusion, this enlightening discussion with Rick Dzida has shed light on the complex issue of child abandonment, urging us as a society to reflect on our collective responsibilities. Through his in-depth analysis and practical recommendations, it is clear that addressing this tragedy requires a multifaceted approach involving government intervention, community support, and individual action. Together, we can strive toward a Malawi where no child is abandoned, and every family is supported through empathy, resources, and meaningful change.
On behalf of myself and the readers, I extend my sincerest gratitude to you, Rick Dzida, for taking the time to share your invaluable insights and wisdom on this pressing matter. Your commitment to advocating for social justice and inspiring systemic change is truly commendable. Your words today will undoubtedly resonate with many and spark meaningful action. Thank you for enriching this conversation and for your continued dedication to building a more compassionate Malawi.
Before we wrap up, Rick, what is your last thought or final message for our readers regarding this issue?
RD: Thank you, Burnett. My final thought is this: let us not view tragedies like these as isolated incidents but as wake-up calls to address the systemic challenges in our society. We must foster a culture of compassion, empathy, and collective responsibility. Let us act together to ensure that every child in Malawi has the opportunity to thrive and that no mother feels so desperate as to make such a heartbreaking choice. Together, we can turn tragedies into opportunities for lasting change.
