By Chris Loka:
Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) with support from OXFAM have organized a solidarity march in order to increase the visibility and recognition of their struggles as well as the risks that they encounter in line of duty.
Among others, they will also present a petition to the Parliamentary Women Caucus Committee.
Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 30th November in Lilongwe, the March is also part of celebrating International Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) Day under the theme of “UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls.
Speaking in an interview one of the organizers, Women Activist, Esther Bonyonga said they have organized the solidarity march to also celebrate and thank women who defend human rights, and all people who defend the rights of women and girls.
Bonyonga said in their petition they have included a lot of matters that really need attention in as far as issues to do with women rights are concerned.
“We would like to deliver a petition that includes the risks and challenges that we face in our various roles as human rights defenders.
“Women Human Rights Defenders in the country can be used as an advocacy tool to advocate and lobby for policy and legislation that promotes and protects women human rights in Malawi,” She said
However, Bonyonga said it is also a day to hold States accountable for protecting the rights of WHRDs to protect and promote human rights saying too often WHRDs face violence, harassment, and even imprisonment, simply for taking a stand for equality and human rights.
