Land disputes and family-related conflicts are the most common forms of conflict in Nkhotakota District, largely due to limited knowledge of legal frameworks and peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms, a magistrate has said.

Nkhotakota Magistrate Dumisani Katundu made the remarks on Thursday in Salima during a training session organised by Umunthu Plus, which brought together women’s forums from Nkhotakota District to discuss the National Peace Policy and Peace Architecture.

Katundu said there is an urgent need to educate communities on the Peace and Unity Act, which promotes alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and reconciliation to prevent conflicts from escalating into lengthy court cases.

“The Act mainly promotes mediation and reconciliation as alternative ways of resolving disputes, instead of rushing to court. These mechanisms help communities resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain harmony,” said Katundu.

Umunthu Plus Gender Officer Andrew Chikasamba said the organisation expects the initiative to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution at both community and district levels.

“Our expectation is to see more women actively engaged in resolving conflicts, engaging duty bearers at community and district levels, and empowering fellow women to participate in peacebuilding and leadership positions within local governance structures,” said Chikasamba.

Nkhotakota District Women Forum representative Vera Chioko welcomed the initiative, noting that women have long been excluded from conflict resolution processes despite being among the most affected groups.

“For a long time, women have been victims of conflicts, especially within marriages, and many suffered in silence because they did not know where to take their grievances,” said Chioko.

Umunthu Plus is implementing the Women’s Voice for Peace project, funded by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund through UN Women. The project has so far established eight women’s forums at Traditional Authority level and one district-level executive women’s forum in Nkhotakota District.

(By Fegson Phabuli)