Traditional Authority Supports Women's Movement in Blantyre

Malawi: The traditional authority (T/A) Somba of Blantyre has pledged his support to the women's group "Our Bodies Our Lives" (OBOL) in addressing various challenges faced by women and girls in the area, writes Thokozani Beaton.

During a meeting with members of the group on Monday, T/A Somba praised the organization's efforts, calling it a "blessing to others, especially those underrepresented."

T/A Somba identified gender-based violence and land distribution as critical issues in the community and emphasized the importance of justice in addressing them.

"Where there is life, there must be justice," he said.

"Most of the gender-based violence and land issues occur when there is an absence of justice, plus some traditional norms." He added that OBOL could help educate the masses about these issues.

Loveness Kennedy, the chairperson of OBOL, highlighted the group's commitment to tackling gender-based violence at all levels.

OBOL follows these cases until justice is served, Kennedy said, citing a recent example where the group advocated for seven girls who were allegedly defiled by an older man, resulting in his imprisonment.

The regional coordinator, Dorothy Mtuwana, led a team of 14 women to meet with T.A. Somba, seeking to make him aware of OBOL's presence in the area and link the group with other like-minded organizations to reach a larger audience.

OBOL promotes food security, justice for women and children, HIV/AIDS education, and economic empowerment, among other issues, targeting both HIV-positive and negative individuals.