British High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie Thursday launched the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (PKN) Programme, pledging €4 million (approximately K 8.7 billion) in funding to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Ritchie emphasised the importance of collective efforts in tackling violence against women and girls, especially during the global 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
“This programme is a significant step towards the fight against gender-based violence in Malawi.
“Violence against women and girls is a global crisis requiring urgent and collective action,” Ritchie said.
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She expressed hope that the PKN programme would contribute to a safer and more equal society.
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“Together, we can create a Malawi—and a world— where women and girls live free from fear and full of opportunity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gender Minister Jean Sendeza has said the launch underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing gender equality and addressing the problem of GBV in Malawi.
“The launch has come at the right time when Malawi is observing the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. I commend the British High Commissioner, local stakeholders and the Malawi Police Service for their collaboration.
“The fight against GBV requires action at all levels, including at government, community and individual levels,” Sendeza said.
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PKN Consortium Leader Maggie Kathewera Banda said abuses such as intimate partner violence (IPV) were rampant in Malawi.
“Research from various surveys, such as the 2016 Malawi Demographic Health Survey and the 2013 and 2017 reports by the National Statistics Office, illustrates that women, particularly those with disabilities, are disproportionately affected,” Banda said.
