Women under the Association of Women in Media (AWOME) have demanded for amendment of the country’s laws in order to protect women and girls from sexual violence.

The Association sounded the demand on Tuesday upon delivering a petition at the Civic Offices in Lilongwe after holding a peaceful demonstration.

Lilongwe City Mayor Juliana Kaduya assured the women that she will deliver the petition to the responsible Ministry of Gender.

“I would like to assure you that I have received the petition and I will submit to the responsible Ministry of Gender,” said Kaduya.

Speaking after delivering the petition, AWOME Central Region Chairperson Josephine Phumisa said as women in Media are anticipating swift action from those in Authority.

“We have been writing these stories for so long, it’s a brutal act that lives a victim bruised and being traumatised and we think now it’s the time for the authorities to hear us and act on this brutal act, it’s time for all the statues of this country to act on this one,” said Phumisa.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara who also joined the protesters said there is need for harmonisation of the country’s laws.

“There are quite a number of issues that need to be addressed, there is need for harmonisation of the laws between the Child Justice Act and the Penal Code so that even those that don’t report these incidences should also face the law,” said Hara.