The Malawi Network of Aids Services Organization (Manaso) has commended Madalo and Malire Community Based organizations for ending 46 child marriages and fighting gender based violence in Mulanje district.

The organization’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Snowden Bulla said on Monday during the Tikhale Tcheru project review meeting that it is remarkable that since the project begun in May, 2018 the two CBOs have registered a lot of successes in ending child marriages.

“About 46 girls who are under the age of 18 have been rescued from marriages in traditional authorities Chikumbu and Nthiramanja and sent back to school. We also have a lot of GBV cases that are being reported and survivors being linked to services, which is a good thing,” he said.

He added that, “by working with traditional leaders and mother groups at community level, CBOs have also managed to eradicate harmful cultural practices thereby creating an enabling environment for women empowerment.”

He then advised the CBOs to continue the good work they are doing in communities protecting rights of vulnerable groups.

Chairperson for Madaliso CBO, Paul Magulula said they are working with Manaso to eradicate harmful cultural practices that are impacting negatively on the rights of girls and promoting GBV.

“We are also encouraging women in leadership positions and sensitizing communities on the new HIV and Aids Prevention and Management Act. So far people are receiving our massages well,” said Magulula. Q����$.