By Wendy Mkandawire
The Ministry of Gender, Disability and Social Welfare has condemned the brutal killing of Dr. Favor Atughanire Chomo, a medical doctor who was serving at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Secretary, Esmie Tamanda Kainja, the ministry described Dr. Chomo’s untimely death as a great loss not only to her family, colleagues and the medical fraternity, but also to the nation considering her contribution to the health sector and service to the people of Malawi.
The ministry said the killing of the female doctor is a serious setback to efforts aimed at promoting girls’ education and empowering women and girls across the country.
“Women and girls need to see successful professionals such as Dr. Chomo as role models who demonstrate that education and hard work can transform lives,” reads part of the statement.
It added that the continued loss of such role models through acts of violence threatens and discourages young girls who aspire to achieve their dreams and contribute to national development.
The Ministry of Gender has commended the Malawi Police Service for its swift response and the arrest of Macmillan Mvevula in connection with Dr. Chomo’s death.
According to the ministry, law enforcers should conclude their investigations and ensure that justice is served. It says should the suspect be found guilty, it calls for the maximum penalty provided under the laws of Malawi.
The ministry reiterated that violence against women and girls, and violence in any form, has no place in Malawi. It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening efforts aimed at protecting women and girls, promoting their rights, and creating a safe environment for everyone to live in.
