ELIMINATING VIOLENCE AND HARMFUL PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS BY ADDRESSING UNDERLYING CAUSES AND ENSURING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS: A CASE STUDY OF MACHINGA, MALAWI

Martha Moyo, African Medical and Research Foundation ( AMREF)
Madalitso Tolani, 1Amref Health Africa, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Thom Salamba, Amref Health Africa, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Background: Malawi faces significant challenges, including high rates of violence against women, early motherhood, and child marriages. The Spotlight Initiative project aims to eradicate violence against women and girls, including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by addressing structural roots and linkages to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. Implementation: The SI project has six pillars and Amref is implementing under pillars 3 and 4. Under pillar 3, focused on prevention and changing social norms, Interventions include safe space mentorship, economic empowerment for gender equality, male involvement in mentorship to challenge norms. Pillar 4 focuses on delivering essential quality services through community and survivor funds. Outcomes: 227 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) returning to school, 993 AGYW accessing family planning, 85 AGYW holding leadership positions. AGYW's efforts have led to reporting of gender-based violence cases, with 139 referrals in Community Victim Support Units and 201 early marriage cases withdrawn. Moreover, 1103 AGYW have experienced economic empowerment, with 102 of them funding their education independently. Conclusion: The initiative highlights the importance of involving youth, leveraging community structures, and integrating male champions in combating gender-based violence. Overall, the SI is making strides in ending violence in Malawi, exemplifying collaborative efforts to drive positive change.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Gender Dynamics, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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