16 Days of Activism – Gender-Based Violence

In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Makazi Foundation joined forces with the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi to spearhead a critical awareness and education campaign at Nankhundi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in TA Masanjala, Chiradzulu. This partnership combined the foundation’s grassroots experience with the legal expertise of the Women Lawyers Association to ensure a holistic approach to tackling GBV.

About the project

Starting point

The initiative was designed to raise awareness among students about the prevalence, forms, and consequences of gender-based violence, while also identifying specific knowledge gaps within the school community. Understanding that Community Day Secondary Schools serve as microcosms of their surrounding environments, this engagement provided valuable insights into the perceptions and social norms related to GBV in the Masanjala area.

Community-Centered Approach

Through facilitated dialogues, interactive workshops, and question-and-answer sessions, students were actively encouraged to share their perspectives and experiences related to GBV. These candid conversations helped to uncover cultural beliefs, stigmas, and barriers that affect reporting and prevention efforts. The process also empowered young people to recognize their rights, understand the support services available, and become advocates for change within their families and communities.

Addressing Knowledge Gaps for Sustainable Solutions

Findings from this engagement highlighted areas where misinformation or silence prevails, enabling the foundation and its partners to tailor future programming more effectively. The focus includes improving access to legal aid, psychosocial support, and education about healthy relationships, with an emphasis on breaking cycles of violence through informed youth leadership.

A Step Toward Lasting Change

This campaign reflects the Makazi Foundation’s unwavering commitment to combating GBV by fostering open, informed dialogue among youth and community members. By building awareness at the grassroots level and collaborating with legal experts, the foundation aims to contribute to a safer, more equitable environment where survivors are supported and violence is actively challenged.

Nankhundi CDSS