The United Nations (UN) will roll out the spotlight initiative programme from January 2019.

The initiative is aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

The programme will be implemented in Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Nsanje, Machinga, Ntchisi and Dowa.

Dr Agnes Chimbiri, Uninted Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi Portifolio Manager told YONECO online that the project is crucial as it will end violence against women.

“We have innovative approaches to the programme because we are aware of the many programmes that have the same objective of ending violence on women and girls,” said Chimbiri.

Through the programme,UN is looking at policies protecting girls and women against violence.

Another key element is that of raising awareness on the forms of violence perpetrated on women and girls.

“Women and girls need to know their rights and this can help them  report to relevant authorities whenever they have been abused, communities should also have knowledge on rights that protect these groups.”

Gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment are at the heart of the 2030 agenda for sustainable Development.

The programme will run from 2019 to 2022 and is pegged at 22 million euros bankrolled by the European Union (EU).