By Fazila Tembo
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases continue to rise, the Malawi Judiciary with support from UK Aid through Tithetse Khanza Program has launched a hand book and District Case Management system to reduce cases of violence among women and girls in the country.
According to a representative from the Judiciary, Justice Ivy Kamanga, the two initiatives will help the judiciary to ensure that it is delivering justice expeditiously and line with standards while ensuring that victims are protected and receive access to Justice.
“Through these tools tools, judicial officers and other staff are better equipped to handle cases involving Gender Based Violence while also giving them the ability to enhance case tracking mechanics,” she said.
She said the developments has come at a time when the Judiciary is preparing to implement its Performance Management System and expects the efforts to align with their vision to improve the service delivery through expediting justice to all manner of people.
Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), Deputy Development Director, Martin Dawson said violence against women and girls should be a priority for all and the Judiciary in particular as the guardian of the rule of law is uniquely positioned to contribute tremendously in addressing them for appropriate remedies.
“The successful undertaking of these two efforts speaks highly of the commitment of the country’s Judiciary in reducing the prevalence of the prevalence of violence against women and girls,” he said.
Implementing Partner, Tithetse Nkhanza Program Leader, Grace Malera said the tools will significantly contribute to the Judiciary system I equipping its officers and staff with a practical guidance in order to prove women’s access to justice.
“We assisted in the development of these necessary tools so that the Judiciary should be more responsive and accessible,” she said.
However, the book will among others provide practical information on standards for women’s access to justice, important concepts such as women’s Hunan rights, gender stereotypes, bias and nondiscrimination on the basis of sex and gender.
Similarly, the District Case Management System being piloted in Mangochi, Lilongwe and Karonga will provide an invaluable opportunity to appropriately record and effectively track violence against women and girls cases through judicial system as well inform and strengthen service delivery of the survivors.
