COUPLES URGED TO EMBRACE OPENNESS TO CURB GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN GWEMBE DISTRICT

 

‎Gwembe District Assistant Victim Support Officer Mark Chanda has urged couples to remain open and honest with each other as a way of reducing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in their marriages.

‎‎Mr. Chanda said failure to engage each other freely and resolve any differences often lead to increasing cases of gender based violence in the District.

‎‎Speaking during an interactive community engagement held in Jongola Ward, Mr. Chanda emphasized the importance of families maintaining open and friendly relationships with their spouses, children and relatives to enable them to freely seek guidance, share challenges and access timely support when faced with difficulties.

‎‎Mr. Chanda said that gender-based violence often leads to serious family disputes that can easily result in breakdown of homes if not addressed early.

‎‎He has further observed that failure to adequately provide for one’s family also amounts to another form of gender-based violence, as it exposes women and children to vulnerability, hardship and insecurity.

‎‎Mr. Chanda has since encouraged couples experiencing challenges to seek assistance from local leaders and relevant institutions to help resolve conflicts before they escalate into violence.

‎‎Meanwhile, Green Living Movement Coordinator for Advancing  Gender Equality through Sustainable Livelihoods Project Gender Gloria Malanda has commended men who have taken a bold step in challenging harmful cultural practices that promote GBV.

‎‎She has however noted with concern that such positive efforts are sometimes discouraged when women themselves ridicule or laugh at one another instead of offering support, a situation she said undermines collective efforts to end gender-based violence in communities.