By Santos Zefania
The Executive Director of People Serving Girls at Risk (PSGR), Caleb Ng’ombo, has urged stakeholders to take responsibility in ensuring that those who engage in sexual and human trafficking are held accountable for their actions.
PSGR Director made this statement on Tuesday at the Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe during an event organized by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in partnership with (PSGR), held on the theme, “Utilizing Voices, Promoting Justice, Enhancing Accountability, and Establishing a Legal Framework for Gender Equity.”
Caleb said pro-active support for survivors of sexual trafficking is essential for achieving justice for the victims.
He added that by highlighting the challenges faced by survivors and advocating for their rights, stakeholders can significantly contribute to fostering a fairer and more equitable society.”
“One of the primary reasons people become victims of trafficking is to fulfill the demand for commercial sexual exploitation, which is, unfortunately, widespread in many communities and it stems from various underlying factors,” said Ng’ombo.
Director of Women’s Rights Champion and member of the Women’s Manifesto Movement (DWRCMM) Lingalineni Mihowa, who graced the function, said addressing human trafficking requires a united movement capable of effectively disrupting these criminal activities.
She emphasized the need for duty bearers to collaborate in confronting these complexities and working towards effective solutions against the rampant issue of human trafficking.
Mihowa noted that legislation alone is not enough to tackle sexual trafficking effectively;
“It is crucial to engage educated individuals who understand the different forms of trafficking risks.
“Raising awareness among those who can assist is vital for preventing and fighting these crimes, as they can help identify individuals at risk and offer support to safeguard them from exploitation,” said Muhowa.
In her speech, representative for Global Lead, End Sexual Exploitation at Equality Now, Tsitsi Matekaire, highlighted the importance of Malawi devising strategies to prevent trafficking issues.
She said it is essential to ensure that the relevant duty bearers are equipped with the necessary skills to address the challenges effectively, and to develop strong systems capable of monitoring and supporting initiatives aimed at preventing sexual trafficking.
“This requires establishing a framework that enables the monitoring, reporting, and management of any trafficking cases, thereby ensuring a thorough approach to protecting survivors from exploitation and creating a safer environment for all citizens,” Matekaire said.
Representatives from various stakeholders included Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Malawi Human Rights, the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare, child-based organizations, and the Ministry of Homeland Security.
