As the world came together to mark the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Plan Malawi led many initiatives to unite communities under the national theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Malawi: Towards Beijing +30.” With events spanning various districts, Plan Malawi raised awareness and fostered tangible action to combat GBV and empower vulnerable groups.
Plan Malawi Country Director Mwape Mulumbi emphasised the importance of 16 Days of Activism in advancing efforts towards Beijing +30 and reaffirmed Plan Malawi’s commitment to a successful fight against GBV. Watch the video below to hear her message.
National campaign launch: A great start in Phalombe
Plan Malawi was one of the lead organisations in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign launch. Launching the national campaign the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, who was the guest of honour at the event, called on Malawians to unite against all forms of gender-based violence.
The First Lady emphasised that, “The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder that ending gender-based violence requires all of us to stand together. Together, we can create a world where safety, dignity, and equality are the norm for every girl and woman.”
“The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder that ending gender-based violence requires all of us to stand together. Together, we can create a world where safety, dignity, and equality are the norm for every girl and woman.”
Her Excellency, Madam Monica Chakwera, First Lady Malawi
At the national campaign launch in Phalombe, Plan Malawi showcased its women economic empowerment work under the Girls Get Equal (GGE) Project. Through Plan Malawi’s pavilion at the event, Veronica and Faith showcased the vocational skills they have learnt through training and economic empowerment initiatives.
Faith was trained in phone repair and today she shared with the event patrons how her business has helped her to keep her siblings in school.
Plan Malawi has been implementing the GGE project in Mulanje, Lilongwe and Phalombe districts. The project aims to promote equality for girls by addressing the root causes of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Empowering youth movements through Plan Malawi’s young leaders
Youth leadership took centre stage in Kasungu during the 16 campaign days, where 23 young leaders were trained in movement building. The training united over 300 community members, including government officials and local leaders.
During the training and group engagements, the young leaders raised concerns about issues like: corporal punishment in schools, inefficiencies in justice systems for GBV cases and the need for improved psycho-social support for survivors.
Painting the Kasungu Police Victim Support Unit
In collaboration with young people in Kasungu, Plan Malawi gave the Kasungu Police Victim Support Unit a new face, creating a more welcoming environment for GBV survivors.
The initiative was also undertaken to influence different ways in which the 16 Days of Activism can be commemorated in our communities while leaving visible impact. Police Officer In-Charge for Kasungu, Francis Chisoti, commended the efforts and recognised the ongoing collaboration and partnership that is there between Plan Malawi and the Police on protection and GBV programming.
“The Victim Support Unit remains committed to providing timely and compassionate support to survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring their protection and access to justice,” Chisoti said.
“The Victim Support Unit remains committed to providing timely and compassionate support to survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring their protection and access to justice.”
Francis Chisoti, Police Officer In-Charge, Kasungu
Youth advisory panels host open days on gender-based violence
The Mzuzu and Lilongwe Youth Advisory Panels (YAP) organised open days during the campaign to engage communities, raise awareness about GBV, and empower them to take action.
Over 150 young people from GBV hot-spots joined survivors, activists, influencers, and mental health professionals in a powerful dialogue, sparking awareness and inspiring youth-led efforts to break cycles of violence in their communities.
Taking GBV awareness to university campuses
Plan Malawi has been collaborating with university students in youth movement building. During this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV students from Mzuzu University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and University of Livingstonia (UNILIA), held awareness sessions on their campuses aiming at tackling GBV on campus, online and “Sexually Transmitted Grades”.
Highlights included big walks, cultural performances, public lectures, panel discussions, and drama, with universities hosting expert panelists from the judiciary, police, and civil society.
Working with community based organisations, tackling GBV issues
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, Plan Malawi took the campaign to rural communities. In collaboration with Tikwenda Community-Based Organisation, Plan Malawi mobilised the Emsizini community for a day of awareness and dialogue on GBV.
Activities included captivating cultural performances, a panel discussion with local experts, and active youth involvement. School learners joined discussions, showcasing their commitment to GBV prevention and gender equality.
A collective call to action
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, Plan Malawi emphasised that ending GBV requires united efforts from all sectors; by combining community engagement, youth leadership, and survivor-centered approaches.
“Plan Malawi’s activities not only raised awareness but also laid the foundation for lasting change.The call to action is clear: unite to dismantle systems of inequality and violence. Together, a safer, equitable future for women and girls is possible” Mwape Mulumbi, Country Director Plan Malawi.
“The call to action is clear: unite to dismantle systems of inequality and violence. Together, a safer, equitable future for women and girls is possible.”
Mwape Mulumbi, Country Director Plan Malawi.