16 Days of Activism – GBV and Intimate Partner Violence

In observance of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Makazi Foundation partnered with the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi to focus on a critical and often overlooked issue: the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant women at Maravi Health Center.

About the project

Starting point

IPV manifests through emotional, physical, and economic abuse, profoundly impacting the well-being of pregnant women. Many face the harsh reality of coercion—being forced to bear children against their will and enduring restrictions on accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services such as family planning. This abuse is frequently reinforced by societal and cultural pressures, resulting in early pregnancies and increased rates of school dropouts.

Empowering Women Through Awareness and Support

The event created a safe and supportive platform where pregnant women learned about their rights and the critical channels available for reporting GBV. It also offered the Makazi Foundation an opportunity to engage deeply with the community’s experiences, emphasizing the urgent need to address IPV during pregnancy as a matter of public health and human rights.

A Step Toward Change

Through this collaboration, the Makazi Foundation and its partners reaffirm their commitment to combating GBV in all its forms, promoting safer, healthier pregnancies, and empowering women with knowledge and resources to reclaim control over their lives.

Maravi Health Clinic