By Wendy Mkandawire
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, has warned that government will deal decisively with anyone found defiling children under the age of 18.
Speaking on Monday, 24th August in Ntchisi, Phiri said girls have the right to education, not to be defiled. He stressed that the girls are the leaders of tomorrow and must be protected.
According to Phiri, the government under President Peter Mutharika will ensure that perpetrators of child defilement face the full force of the law.
“The government provided free education in order for both boys and girls to access education without barrie. stating that girls are the next leaders, and protecting them is central to national development.”he added.
He urged communities to report cases of defilement to authorities instead of shielding offenders.
Phiri made the remarks during an event organized by World Vision Malawi to showcase 20 years of its operations in Kalira Area under Senior Chief Chikho.
World Vision Malawi Board Director, Esther Chafumuka, said the organization has invested about K14.7 billion approximately $8.5 million USD in the area over the past 20 years.
She said the investment has gone toward child education, health, nutrition, and water access for families and communities.
“Young people have also been given opportunities through skills development in farming and value addition to their produce, such as making different types of food items like juices,” Chafumuka added.
Phiri’s remarks come amid continued cases of child defilement in Malawi, a malpractice that has drawn concern from government and civil society organizations pushing for stronger awareness and enforcement of child protection laws.
The government maintains that ending defilement is key to keeping girls in school and securing Malawi’s future leadership.
