By Esnart Chingwalu

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati says she is pleased with organizations that are working with government in the fight against gender based violence in the country.

This comes as Malawi has just windup the 19 days of activism which starts from November 1 and ends on November 19 every year–a development which helps to provide awareness to violence that infringes the country’s children rights in their well-being.

Speaking to YONECO FM Online, Kaliati said the 19 days have been commemorated accordingly in the country which has made among other things highlighted the violations against children which need to be voiced out.

“The days have helped the public to get aware of the ways of minimizing the cases of violents on children and also made children to report of any violent which were not been made publicly known to authorities,” she said.

“People are able to report now to right institutions which are giving us hope that the ministry is faring well on sensitizing the public on the cases of GBV cases.”

Kaliati therefore asked organizations to continue working with the government in ensuring the full protection of children rights at large.

“We are pleased with organizations that are helping government to end GBV cases in the country as this battle cannot be ended by government alone,” said Kaliati.

On his part, YONECO Executive Director MacBain Mkandawire says myths and beliefs are still there that are fueling to sexual violence amongst children in the country.

“Some people are still believing that some illegal ways in our communities such as sleeping with minors helps one to get rid of some diseases or to get wealth not knowing that they are violating the rights of those children hence there is a need for authorities to intervene the matters,” said Mkandawire.

The 19 days of activism were been commemorated under the theme “prevention of child sexual violence and abuse”.