Father Gerald Bwemba, who is also a board member of the Social Development for the diocese, told Zodiak Online Friday in Ntcheu, that violation of women rights remains of concern and needs to be addressed completely.

“We are all created in God's image and it is sad that people continue to violate each others’ rights for the sake of superiority over the other,” he said.

However, Fr. Bwemba argued that there also be enhanced reformation programs for perpetrators of GBV who are in prison to prepare them for when they are freed.

Fr. Bwemba said this when the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in the diocese brought together members of Catholic Women Organization and Catholic Men Organization for discussions on gender related laws.

According to the Catholic Priest, the church has a responsibility to ensure that rights of people are respected regardless of gender disparities.

Vice Chairperson for Catholic Women Organization under the Diocese, Anastanzia Kalumo, said victims of GBV have a duty to report violations to relevant authorities.

“People responsible in handling such cases must be impartial, this will encourage a lot of people report the vice thereby helping to address rising cases of GBV in the country,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson for Catholic Men Organization for the Diocese, Alex Sukasuka, says gender equality is paramount as it enhances development in society.