Nkhotakota district council has been called to
draft enforceable policies and interventions that will promote the welfare of
women and girls attain quality education in the district.
The call was made by Women Forums during the interface
with officials from the Council under the Voice for Peace Project being
implemented by Umunthu Plus in the district.
During the meeting, held in Salima, the women
voiced out factors that are precipitating to the decline of a girl child
education in the district such as open market days.
It also came to light as per the participants’
assertions that some teachers are aiding to the vice such as massive
absenteeism and casual dressing.
Rose Siyame a resident of Mphamba Village
Traditional Authority Mphonde alludes her area is characterized by activities
which have proven to be immoral and unacceptable citing market days.
“It is becoming a habit that our children come home
late during market days.it is worrisome that this occurs even during school
days”, laments siyame
According to
Siyame this is also damaging families as couples, as result of late home
coming, trade counter-accusations of infidelity.
Adding her voice, Getrude Ng’ona from Mangulenje
Village in the area of senior chief Mwadzama urged the council to act swiftly
on the matters that were raised in the meeting.
“We hope council officials will be able to act on
the issues without hesitation so that we promote development of our areas”, remarked
Ng’ona.
Responding to the queries, Acting Chief Education
Officer, Alfred Chindiwa agreed with the women on their grievances which indeed
needs a speedy response.
He concedes the women have voiced out valid
concerns which the council ought not to sleep on.
‘’As the council its’s our duty that we deal with
the concerns that we have been aware through the efforts of the women.
Consequently, we need mechanisms that will address
these girl child obstacles once for all”, declares Chindiwa.
The Voice for Peace project aims at promoting peace
and unity and encouraging women to attain leadership positions in Nkhotakota
district with funding from women peace and humanitarian fund through UN Women
in Malawi.
