1 minute
Tsiga : Violence against women threatens the very fabric of our society
In a bid to ensure a safe elections environment for women, the Malawi Police Service (MPS), with support from UN Women Malawi, has launched a two-day orientation workshop for PROs on Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE).
The event, which has started today, December 16, 2024 at Makokola Police Cottage in Mangochi, was officially opened by Mrs. Barbra Tsiga, Commissioner of Police for the Eastern Region, representing the Inspector General, Mrs. Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu.
Opening the event, Commissioner Tsiga highlighted the severe impact of violence against women during elections, emphasizing its physical, sexual, psychological, and economic consequences.
"This violence not only undermines women's participation in the electoral process, but also threatens the very fabric of our society," she stated.
She further stressed the importance of the training, which aims to equip Public Relations Officers (PROs) with the tools to raise awareness, promote tolerance and foster a safe environment for women during elections.
"Public Relations Officers have the power to promote a culture of respect, safety, and tolerance in our communities," Commissioner Tsiga observed.
According to MPS spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, the arrangement follows some knowledge gap among the PROs across the country.