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Malawi Human Rights Commission Collaborates with Blantyre District Council to Combat Sex-Based Discrimination

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Quadri Adejumo
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A cross-section of participants during the meeting in Blantyre
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Image Credit: MW nation

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken a significant step in the fight against sex-based discrimination by engaging the Gender Technical Working Group of the Blantyre District Council. This engagement is part of the Iceland-funded project, Strengthening Human Rights-based Intervention with a Focus on Sex-based Discrimination in Malawi. The MHRC aims to equip district council officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address and mitigate instances of sex-based discrimination in workplaces and communities.

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Building Awareness and Promoting Legal Redress

Jamila Madukani, the principal gender and human rights officer at MHRC, emphasized the pivotal role of district council officials in addressing human rights issues, particularly sexual harassment, as they directly interact with the local population. Madukani highlighted the importance of equipping council officials to identify instances of rights violations and provide avenues for legal redress in cases of sexual harassment.

She stated, "Most people do not know when their rights have been violated, and that is why we want to equip them so that they can find legal redress when they have been sexually harassed." By empowering council officials with knowledge and tools, the MHRC aims to ensure that victims of sex-based discrimination have access to justice and support.

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Enhancing Coordination and Understanding for Effective Action

Pearson Mphangwe, the chief planning officer of the Blantyre District Council, commended the MHRC for the orientation provided to the Technical Working Group. He acknowledged that the training has deepened their understanding of gender-related concepts and will equip them to address sexual discrimination comprehensively.

(Read Also: Malawi Human Rights Commission Cancels Contracts Worth K102 Million Amid Procurement Controversy)

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Mphangwe emphasized, "This will then help us to have a deep understanding of how to deal with sexual discrimination in all angles. As officers, we have to be aware that it is not possible to violate others' rights in the name of human rights." The commitment of council officials to promoting a rights-based approach and combating discrimination is crucial for creating inclusive and safe environments in workplaces and communities.

Participants of the engagement, including magistrates, law enforcers, and civil society organizations, unanimously agreed to strengthen coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in a rights-based approach. This collaborative effort aims to ensure timely reporting of issues related to sex-based discrimination, enabling swift legal action against the perpetrators.

(Read Also: Chief Justice of England and Wales to Strengthen Judicial Ties with Malawi during Visit)

By equipping local authorities with the knowledge and understanding necessary to tackle sex-based discrimination, this collaborative effort between the MHRC and the Blantyre District Council will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of all individuals.

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