Activists Call for Cultural Reforms to End Gender-Based Violence in Chiradzulu
By Jones Gadama
Challenging Harmful Traditions
Women and child rights activists in Chiradzulu District are advocating for the revision of cultural norms and traditions to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Virginia Lozo Nyirenda, Programme Coordinator of the Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children (CAVWOC), identifies harmful practices like child marriages and patriarchal leadership structures as key contributors to rights violations against women and girls.
Local Rights Programme Achievements
Through the Action Aid-funded “Local Rights Programme” (running since 2006 with K2 billion investment), CAVWOC has made significant progress:
- Established Legal Resource Centers providing access to justice
- Increased women’s economic rights by 90% in target areas
- Improved girls’ education rights by 60% in Traditional Authorities Kadewere and Nkalo
Persistent GBV Challenges
Despite these gains, Chiradzulu Police Publicist Cosmas Kagulo reports concerning GBV statistics:
- 28 cases recorded in Q1 2025
- Primary causes: financial disputes and mistrust
- Significant underreporting of incidents
Path Forward
The success of CAVWOC’s community engagement model demonstrates that cultural transformation is possible. However, sustained efforts are needed to:
- Address root causes of GBV
- Strengthen victim support systems
- Promote gender equality through education
With continued collaboration between activists, traditional leaders, and law enforcement, Chiradzulu can build on its progress toward becoming a safer, more equitable district for women and girls.
Source: The Maravi Post