By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a powerful display of commitment to raising awareness and supporting victims of human trafficking, journalist and author Hope Chawala Banda has announced that he will donate 40% of the proceeds from his latest novel, ‘Taken,’ to the cause.
The novel, set in the rural area of Visaza, tells the gripping story of community members who bravely stood up to fight against the horrors of human trafficking in Malawi.
The official launch of ‘Taken’ took place at the Moroccan Embassy in Lilongwe, drawing a crowd of high dignitaries, including cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and senior government officials.
Deputy Minister for Local Government, Unity, and Culture Owen Chomanika emphasized the importance of empowering young people to tell their own stories and shed light on the realities of human trafficking in the country.
“We must tell our stories. Especially you, the young people. You need to take an interest in telling our stories. If we leave it to others (foreigners) to come and tell our stories, then we cannot become the self-reliant nation we envision,” Chomanika urged.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgent need to increase awareness about human trafficking and combat the prevalence of the issue in Malawi.
She highlighted the disturbing trend of missing children who fall victim to trafficking, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in raising awareness, especially in rural areas where information is scarce.
“Human Trafficking is happening right here, and it is very rampant. Nowadays, it is common to hear that a child has gone missing. Where are these children going? They are being trafficked,” Tembo exclaimed.
Tembo shared a heartbreaking story of a girl who was trafficked through Tanzania to Oman, underscoring the need for vigilance against those who exploit vulnerable individuals and bypass legal channels to reach trafficking hotspots.
She emphasized the crucial role of communities in protecting their members and preventing further instances of trafficking.
As Hope Chawala Banda continues to champion the cause of ending human trafficking through his powerful storytelling, ‘Taken’ serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of raising awareness and supporting victims of this heinous crime.
With the support of government officials, community leaders, and dedicated individuals, the fight against human trafficking in Malawi grows stronger each day.
