A Thyolo-based Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) says domestic violence remains a major threat to development in the district and is encouraging women to participate in the forthcoming development committee elections to help tackle the vice.

CCDO’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Victor Felix Mnoniwa, said realities on the ground show that “women are the ones facing most of the gender-based violence both in homes and in workplaces.”

Speaking on Sunday during a sensitisation campaign at Mikate in Traditional Authority Maganiza, Mnoniwa disclosed that the organisation’s volunteers have already resolved “at least 136 land-related and domestic conflicts this year alone.”

He further urged women to take up leadership positions, saying they are best placed to understand and solve the challenges faced in their areas.

“We are calling on women to be proactive and compete in the development committee elections because they know the challenges their communities are going through,” he said.

The organisation is implementing a two-year Progressive Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Project in the areas of Maganiza, Maggie, Nchiramwera, Bvumbwe and Changata.

Thyolo District Council Principal Gender and Development Officer, Gerard Zgambo, hailed the community-driven effort, saying it complements government actions to end gender-based abuse during the 16 Days of Activism.

“Time is now for everyone to ensure that every home is free from abuses such as rape, child desertion, wife battering, sexual harassment and economic violence,” Zgambo said.

Traditional Authority Maganiza said the sensitisation activities will significantly help in reducing cases of violence in her area.

“We will work together with our subjects to end these abuses,” she pledged.

The event attracted crowds through football and netball bonanzas, where Mikate and Maganiza Youth drew 1–1 before going to penalties.