Effectiveness of collective response by different stakeholders in dealing with gender based violence

Malawi just like other developing countries in Africa has been facing different challenges ranging from economic to human rights violations.

Due to cultural beliefs some communities continue to believe in black magic or witchcraft which according to the facts on the ground is greatly affecting the older women and children.

On this, the accused are not given chance to voice out their views because even some chiefs in some areas are behind the process of exorcising witchcraft.

This means that women and children who are regarded as the weaker characters in the society suffer in many ways.

In Bangwe township in the district of Blantyre lies a a small village under group village head Mwamadi.

An old woman called Enelesi is a widow and childless whose life is becoming like a dream after children of her late brother chased her from her own matrimonial home accusing her of being a witch.

Enelesis properties including part of her house were destroyed by people of the village masterminded by the children of her late brother.

Being powerless and voiceless Enelesi had to run for her life to the church she has served for close to 15 years.

Instead of the church to give her the needed support she was excommunicated saying she was a witch and she was welcomed by another Bishop of a nearby church of Love of God.

Sadly Bangwe police are yet to make arrests on this issue meaning no case file was opened.

So this special report on the effectiveness of collective response by different stakeholders in dealing with gender based violence in a society.

Whenever cases of gender based violence emerge victims continue to suffer in many ways even when seeking justice.

Being an old woman who is above 80 years justice must prevail soon or later.

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