Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) says lack of political will by government is a hindrance towards eliminating violence against women in Malawi.

The sentiment comes as Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for eliminating violence against women which falls on November 25 each year.

YONECO Executive Director, MacBain Mkandawire said although the country has policies aimed at promoting gender equality and fighting against gender based violence, the vice is rising due to lack of implementation in work places and schools.

“We are very good at putting down the laws but we are very bad at implementing those policies,” Mkandawire said.

He said non implementation of specific legislative units within the law is also a big challenge due to among others, inadequate resources.

“For example the law provides that we need a safe place where women can be taken to in the event of gender based violence but the reality is the construction of safe places is a non-starter in the country,” Mkandawire said.

He therefore pleaded with the government to show its commitment by prioritizing to more projects to do with eliminating violence and promoting equality between men and women by mobilizing much resources.

“The major issue is the political will, you will find that the government will put a budget but will never provide the resources so I think there are things that we can do away with maybe travels, to get the resources to support the women.”