Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (MANEPO) has applauded the country’s media fraternity for its unprecedented effort and goodwill demonstrated in 2023 in setting the agenda and focusing public interest on violence, abuse and discrimination targeting older persons.
MANEPO executive director Andrew Kavala has told us that despite Malawi recording horrific killings of older persons on witchcraft allegations in the year just ended, the media has maintained a positive coverage.
Said Kavala: “I am very pleased to convey my profound gratitude to the media fraternity in Malawi for their unprecedented effort and goodwill demonstrated in 2023 in setting the agenda and focusing public interest on the violence, abuse and discrimination targeting older men and women.
“Though the country witnessed gruesome killings of older persons on witchcraft accusations in 2023, positive media coverage remains a catalyst towards the much-needed social changes we envision to achieve.”
In 2023, a total of 25 elderly persons were gruesomely murdered whilst 56 suffered life-threatening abuses based on witchcraft accusations.
Kavala has since pleaded with the press to continue holding duty bearers accountable towards upholding and protecting the rights of the senior citizens.
“We would still want to encourage the media to continue setting the agenda, continue focusing in the public discourse with regards to issues about the elderly.
“I think you might have noted that for the past three years, we have been able to record the cases, on abuse, violence and killings when it comes to older persons and this wasn’t the case previously, even the communities are motivated to ensure that the media are given the right information at the right time,” said Kavala.
MANEPO is the country’s age network, a consortium over 60 civil society organisations implementing various programmes meant to promote and protect the rights of older men and women in Malawi.
The Network helps older men and women claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
