Speaking after presenting the petition at Chikwawa District Commissioner office on Wednesday afternoon, Human Rights Defenders Coalition Chairperson for the South Henderson Mhango and Women's Legal Resource Center project officer Magret Chilongosi said this is the time to act.

Most of those scores of women, girls and male activists endured the scorching sun were dressed in red t-shirts and golf shirts.

Some carried placards which read, 'coward men that defile little girls should be castrated.'

Others read, 'such offenders should serve prison life sentences.'

They said the aim of the demonstration was to be guaranteed of girls’ maximum protection.

Mhango from HRDC and Chilongosi from WOLEC said this is the time to make sure that every girl child is safe.

Female Parliamentarian for Chikwawa West Suzen Dossi proposed life imprisonment punishments to all perpetrators.

"We cannot sit and watch young girls being abused like this. We need to have tough laws," said Dossi.

Speaking after receiving the petition, Chikwawa Principal Administrative Officer Leanard Mchombo has challenged parents to be in front in providing basic necessities and protection to their children.