Towards ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

March 7, 2022By 0 comment

In the course of providing tangible solutions and programs that enhance the capacity and reduces instances of violence against women and men in our surrounding communities, on the 5th of march 2022, BLAYACO conducted a consultation meeting with different stakeholders within GVH Mussa Magasa, T/A Machinjiri in Blantyre.

The sole purpose of the assessment was to explore the bottlenecks on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiatives in the community. The Assessment integrated both participatory arts and Human Cantered Design approaches. The needs assessment helped in developing an understanding of the demographic data of our target audience, cultural interests, organization structures and other contexts which helped in defining Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) issues. The overall objective was to appreciate the context of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Chemusa, Chirimba and Mbayani.

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You want something done, you got to do it yourself

March 5, 2022By 0 comment

The sight of these carelessly disposed pieces of diapers used to wrap round a baby’s bottom and between its legs to absorb and retain urine and feaces is rampant across the country. While there is no question about how disposable diapers have become a ubiquitous item in our contemporary society, owing it to their convenience, the impact of these materials on the environment is great and oftenly unrealized.

Studies show that disposable diapers take up to 500 years to degrade, introducing pathogens into the environment which eventually find their way into water sources, consequently causing water pollution. Inspired to make the environment conducive for all, Bwalo La Ana Active Youth Community Organization (BLAYACO) through its member volunteer Chrispin Khuleya, organized a short exercise by gathering diapers , at one of the notorious spots where diapers are carelessly disposed at Ngabu in Chikhwawa district.

Chrispin notes that the amount of diapers carelessly disposed signifies that a substantial number of people with babies do not know how to dispose these materials properly. It is therefore paramount that not only awareness campaigns on how to dispose diapers be conducted, but conventional sites where these materials can be disposed also be constructed to help people avoid disposing diapers carelessly as well as demand that diaper manufacturing companies include instruction manuals to aid their users in proper disposal of diapers.

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“If we are legally prohibited from striking other adults, why is it okay to strike a child?”

February 27, 2022By 0 comment
In pursuit for a just and safe environment that fully respects and upholds child rights, stakeholders banged heads against the use of corporal punishment on children. Bwalo La Ana Youth Active Community Organisation (BLAYACO), says the fight against corporal punishment on children is a possible fight if stakeholders collaborate in the fight.
This was disclosed during a research talk that was organised by UNIMA Faculty of Law Child Rights Clinic on 10th of February 2022, in Zomba, Malawi. The event was graced by the guest of honour Priscilla Thawe, acting director of child rights at the Malawi Human Rights Commission. Also, in attendance were, Desire Child Development Centre, Associate Professor of Law Dr Garton Kamchedzera, Child Rights Clinic Supervisor, Bettie Mlauzi (Unima Child Rights Clinic President), students drawn from various faculties and Samuel Kamanga representing BLAYACO.
Among several research papers presented, the executive director of BLAYACO presented a paper on the status quo of corporal punishment in Malawian primary schools and further, together with fellow colleagues at the research talk, shared insights on the vice and solutions guarding against the use of corporal punishment because of the affront to the child’s dignity.




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INSPIRATION; THE STORY OF A ROLE MODEL WHO DEFIED ALL ODDS

February 24, 2022By 0 comment

As a true reflection of a phrase disability is not in-ability, Jane defied odds through the community which helped in raising her self-awareness and self-worth by encouraging her to go on despite sad moments she was passing through. For instance, she was constantly mocked by her peers of her appearance and the way her eyes moved as a result of the condition she had.

Article 4 (c) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) obligates the signatories of the convention (including Malawi) to guarantee rights of Persons with Disabilities by adopting all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the present Convention. In context of the aforementioned declaration, Malawi government has put in place mechanisms such as the Malawi National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan in order to embrace inclusion in all its sectors.

Jane, was able to access free sun screen lotion and further, had access to free eye care services towards realisation of her right to health as a fundamental right according to article 25 of the UNCRPD. Her learning journey has been disability friendly through out all the learning stages – all praise to the inclusive education strategy that is being implemented in the country. She relates on the good learning environment she was subjected to and she brands it reasonable accommodation which entails the necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure parity in exercising all human rights and fundamental freedoms (UNCRPD, Art 2).

Now she is a degree holder and social worker responsible for disability and governance working with BLAYACO

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Make Art For Women Activism (MAWA)

February 23, 2022By 1 Comment

BLAYACO is amongst 10 organisations in Blantyre chosen to be part of Make Art For Women Activism ( MAWA) project by Art Glo Health Centre. The Project aims at building the capacity of CSO`s to design and implement innovative projects to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in their respective communities. Capacity building trainings are underway at MPC, Chichiri in Blantyre.

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