Gender authorities in Thyolo have urged students and learners to openly report all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), warning that the abuses have long-term impacts on academic performance, mental health, and future opportunities.

The district’s Principal Gender and Development Officer, Gerard Zgambo, said many young people silently endure abuse both at home and in learning environments, a situation that hinders their potential.

“Learners and students are facing abuses in and out of school, and if these cases remain unreported, they negatively affect their future,” said Zgambo.
“We are encouraging them to speak up so that they receive support and justice.”

Zgambo made the remarks today during sensitization engagements conducted by his office in partnership with members of the Gender Technical Working Group. 

The sessions were held at Chisawani, Thunga, Ligowe, and Bvumbwe Model Primary Schools, as well as Bvumbwe and Mountain View Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign themed “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”

A Form Three student at MountainView CDSS, Sellina Mpeni who attended the session described the initiative as empowering.

“This awareness is an eye-opener. We now know that we can come out in the open and seek assistance when we face any form of abuse affecting our lives and studies,” she said.

Deputy Headteacher for Chiliza Primary School, Martha Mukoko, said the engagements have revealed that many learners suffer in silence.

“Many learners are experiencing abuse but are not aware of the remedies available,” Mukoko said.
“The awareness has enlightened both teachers and learners, especially on physical and emotional abuses that affect children’s mental health.”

Similarly, Mountain View CDSS Headteacher, Peter Manje, said the sessions have broadened students' understanding of GBV.

Manje said “These engagements have helped students identify elements of abuse so that everyone takes responsibility in mitigating and eliminating them."

“Most abuses are rooted in cultural beliefs and gender imbalances; therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required to uproot them.”

Thyolo District will commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism on Friday, December 5, at Bvumbwe Research Ground.