Gender-based Violence in Malawi

Having experienced the violence young women are subjected to first-hand in Malawi, Abikanile, 17, is passionate about speaking up for girls’ rights – and she’s not afraid to let the world know what it’s like to be a young woman in her country.

“I was nearly raped by seven boys after I finished playing netball,” reveals 17-year-old Abikanile from Malawi. “Thankfully, I escaped as I used the self-defense moves I learned from my Girl Guides Club.”

Sexual violence is a major issue in Malawi, particularly for young women. “I am not the only one who was nearly raped,” says Abikanile. “We hear of so many girls being raped by their fathers, cousins, and other men, only to discover that the police didn’t do anything about it when it was reported.”Læs mere her!

Boys Lead the Crusade Against Gender-Based Violence in Rwanda

“A group of us boys sweep the school compound for 10 minutes every day. People laugh and ridicule us because it is not common for a boy or a man to be seen sweeping as traditionally this role is a preserve of women. But for us we are not swayed – we’re doing it for a cause. We want to send a clear message about gender based violence,” says 15-year-old Emmanuel Wamungu from Ruhuha Complex School in Rwanda. 

Emmanuel is one of many boys and men in Rwanda who are leading a crusade to fight the gender-based violence that has been caused by traditionally held patriarchal beliefs.

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