NGO to take anti gender-based violence messages to Malawi mines

By Brown Mdalla

The NGO Gender Coordination Network (GCN) says it is planning to take messages against Gender Based Violence (GBV) to Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) hotspots across the country.

Speaking in an interview during a tour GCN organized to various parts of Lilongwe district, aimed at sensitizing residents of the district on the dangers of gender-based violence, the organization’s official Sophia Nthenda said, the organization has decided to sensitise miners on the issue of GBV because it  has been receiving reports of GBV and child abuse in these areas.

She said any act of GBV and child abuse is a violation of human rights, and therefore described the conduct as pathetic and unacceptable.

“As NGO Gender Coordination Network, we are determined to ensure that women and girls are protected from any forms of gender-based violence,” said Nthenda.

Nelson Zakeyu, Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi (DFM), whose organization participated in the activities, said they would complement GCN efforts of fighting gender-based violence in the mines through sensitizing miners on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse saying most people involved in GBV are drug abusers.

Zakeyu explained that DFM is currently working on the formation of anti-drug use committees in ASM mines. He said, the committees will be responsible for sensitizing miners on the dangers of drug abuse.

The tour included officials from Drug Fight Malawi, Malawi Council of Churches and Human Rights Resource Centre.

Women and young girls are involved in gold panning, sand and quarry mining in the country.