Female journalists’ demonstrate against increase of rape and defilement cases.

Female journalists have held demonstrations with a call to the authorities to ensure that culprits of rape and defilement face stiffer punishments.
The demonstrations which were held in Blantyre and Lilongwe come following a recent increase in rape and defilement in the country.
Speaking to radio Islam, Interim president for the Association of Women in the Media AWOME, Edyth Kambalame said journalists they are tired of just reporting the cases, hence the demonstrations to push authorities to act.

Kambalame said are no longer asking for a decrease in the cases but  a complete stop adding enough is enough.

She said, “We want to see an impact on  our reporting but we also want the policy makers to sit down and reflect and see where are the gaps and then address them accordingly.

The journalists were joined by Women lawyers Association of Malawi.

Madalo Banda, a member of the Women lawyers association said there is need to address gaps in the understanding of the law.
Banda said many people do not understand that a child below 16 cannot give consent on her known.

Receiving the petition, DR Emmanuel Kanjunjunju Director of Health and Social services said they will forward it to the right authorities.