MALAWI: Bishop Stima condemn gender-based violence and defilement cases
Made the call, Bishop Montfort Stima
Sellaphine Banda Selemani
Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Communications and research Commission Chairman, Bishop Montfort Stima has asked journalists to investigate the root cause of cases of defilement and Gender Based Violence in the country
He made the appeal In Lilongwe at Bishop Nervi Center when he opened a Mental Health and gender-based violence workshop for Catholic journalists from central region chapter.
Bishop Stima further urged government to amend the law to ensure stiffer penalties and also address cultural practices that contribute to the problem.
He also encouraged journalists to write more stories and help people know the effects of rape and where necessary report such cases to the police and chiefs.
The recent increase in reported cases of defilement has prompted several civil society organizations to protest across the country’s cities calling on relevant authorities to intervene on the matter.
Recently, the Association of Women in Media (AWM) marched in the country’s major cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu with an appeal for authorities to toughen laws on sexual violence as the cases of rape and defilement are increasing every day.
