By Llywellenie Mpasa:
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has lamented the neglect of children and women in disaster preparedness and response programmes.
MHRC Deputy Executive Secretary Winston Mwafulirwa said this in Blantyre during the dissemination of a report on gender-based violence and the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse following Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
He emphasised the need for swift action to ensure the protection and well-being of women and children during and after disasters.
“Disasters don’t discriminate but disproportionately affect women and children,” he said.
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The study, which was conducted from July to August, focused on the 12 Southern Region districts affected by Cyclone Freddy, including Mangochi, Machinga, Balaka, Thyolo, Neno, Mwanza, Mulanje, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Chiradzulu and Zomba.
It unveiled extensive risks associated with gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (Cerf)- funded study also provides guidelines for addressing problems and enhancing preparedness for future responses.
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund Child Protection Programme Officer in Malawi, Almas Araru, pointed out that it is expected that the government and other partners will take proactive measures to address disparities in disaster response support for women and girls.
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“The report provides guidelines that can rectify problems leading to exploitation and prepare [the country] for future responses to mitigate and prevent these risks,” she said.
