VIOLATION OF GIRL’S RIGHTS –the Susan Gonani story

BY LIMBANI MANYAMBA

Human rights violations are still on the rise in Malawi, especially among girls.

Susan Gonani of Chinsapo 1 in Lilongwe is one of the victims; she is 17 years old but because of a number of barriers that hinder her education, she is in standard 7. The main hindrance is her uncle, who forced her to stop her education inorder to sell freezes (fizzy pops) and paper-packed water (madzi) at the market.

As if that were not enough, Susan discloses that her uncle’s wife forced her to do prostitution. Gonani revealed this during an interview yesterday.

Vincent Dayimoni Banda, who is Susan’s friend, took her to his mother’s house for shelter and food. Vincent’s mother allows her to live with them because the girl has no other relatives in Lilongwe, apart from her uncle.

Vincent’s mother, Nachisale Dayimoni, said that she feels sorry that, even in this present day and age, such things are happening to innocent girls like Susan. Dayimoni further explained that Susan helps her with little things, but that it is not easy because she is a widow with four children to look after. Moreover, one of her children is in secondary school where she needs school fees and other materials. “I may not manage to pay Susan’s school fees once she reaches secondary school,” she bemoaned.

Dayimoni appealed to people who are willing to help Susan inform of school fees, uniforms and other school materials to please do so. “I know there are some people and organisations that may be willing to help people like Susan, and I plead that they not hesitate to do so. Some people say that children are leaders of tomorrow, but how can these children become good leaders without education?“

KALIATI HITS AT ‘ACTION GIRL’

BY PATRICK BOTHA

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Patricia Kaliati, has condemned the Weekend Times for publishing ‘Action Girl,’ popularly known as ‘Page 8.’

Kaliati said such publication is demeaning to women and that it makes young girls and women even more vulnerable.

She said this at the official launch of the Malawi Child Protection and Gender Media Network which was held at Cresta Hotel with support from Plan Malawi on February 17.

“Why pay a girl child to pose in the nude? What a shame? How would you feel to see your daughter or sister exposed like that?” asked an irate Kaliati, holding a copy of the publication.

The minister asked the journalists in attendance to fight and push for the removal of ‘Action Girl’ which she said encourages abusive tendencies in society.

Kaliati also hailed journalists for the initiative which goes a long way to expose abusive practices and act as a call for action on such matters. She also assured journalists of government’s support.

She also expressed her gratitude to Plan Malawi for their support in different government development endeavours.

On his part, Enock Chibwana, chairman for the network applauded Plan Malawi for the gesture.

“We appeal to government not to leave us alone. And Plan Malawi don’t leave us on the way.” Said Chibwana.

Regional Communications and Media Relations Manager  for Plan, Regis Nyamakanga said his organisation believes in the power of the media and asked journalists to create non-exploitive content and bring various issues of abuse to policy maker’s attention.

Commenting on the event, Kara Stevenson, a Canadian journalist working with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) said she feels the launch is a big step for Malawi.

In attendance was the chairman for the Media Council of Malawi, Patrick Semphere, and Nsanje North Parliamentarian, honourable Viyazi.