From community dialogue sessions to large-scale, high-impact awareness campaigns

The Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Programme has strengthened efforts to combat Intimate Partner Violence, emphasizing that unequal power relations—particularly men’s power over women—are a root cause of violence against women.

The programme also seeks to break the long-standing culture of silence that has protected and perpetuated such violence, recognizing that when communities remain silent, violence continues to thrive.

In Balaka, the campaign in three Traditional Authorities of Nkaya, Nyanyala and Nsamala involved the use of poetry, music, loudspeaker messages, and engaging community drama performances to bring the community together.

Speaking during the campaign in his area, Group Village Head (GVH) Khwalala from T/A Nkaya in the district, cited the culture of silence as a major factor enabling and perpetuating violence among intimate partners.

GVH Khwalala called on community members to break the culture of silence and take collective responsibility by reporting all forms of gender-based violence to the relevant authorities.

“We thank WOLREC and its partners for bringing this important programme to our community,” he said. “You have truly opened our eyes. Even though the initiative has not been here for long, we are already beginning to see positive results. We are hopeful that by the end of the programme, we will witness lasting change in attitudes and behaviours.”

His sentiments were echoed by Nkaya Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson Mussa Black and Utale 1 Police Officer in Charge Griffin Gondwe.

Both leaders stressed the importance of balanced power dynamics between men and women, saying it is a critical step towards ending intimate partner violence.

SASA Field Officers Ireen Chitenjere Khamula, Rachel Ndunya Chikowi and Alice Kandiado led engaging sessions, focusing on the root causes of Intimate Partner Violence.

“Men’s power over women is the root cause of violence against women, and when the community remains silent, violence continues to thrive,” said Chitenjere.

Phalula Victim Support Unit Coordinator Memory Makiyi urged the community not to stay silent, but report all cases of violence.

“We have Victim Support Units in all police posts around this area. You can also report to your traditional leaders, religious leaders, or any PKN officer working in your community. There is no reason to remain silent,” she emphasised.

Balaka District Community Development Assistant Partrick Mulenga called for a positive mindset change.

“When organisations such as WOLREC come to our areas with such important messages, let us listen and act accordingly — it is for our own good,” he said.

Nyanyala Area Development Committee Chairperson Matthews Nyirenda welcomed the initiative and requested more frequent visits.

“These messages are very critical. Please keep coming back to remind us. As the saying goes: mphini yobwereza imawala (a repeated tattoo shines brighter),” he said.

PKN Programme, is being implemented by WOLREC, Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Malawi in Balaka and Lilongwe with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) under the What Works to Prevent Violence Programme.