By Jones Gadama
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Hon. Mary Thom Navicha, has been praised for her hands-on leadership after a field visit to T/A Msamala in Balaka District, where she witnessed the impact of community-led efforts to end gender-based violence.
The visit, held under the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Programme, brought together government officials, development partners, traditional leaders and community volunteers to review progress in preventing and responding to violence in homes and communities.
Speaking to beneficiaries, activists and service providers, Navicha expressed deep appreciation for the commitment she saw on the ground.
_“I am deeply impressed by the remarkable progress I have witnessed today. The commitment demonstrated by community members, traditional leaders, frontline service providers and programme beneficiaries is truly encouraging. These achievements show that when communities work together, meaningful and lasting change is possible,”_ she said.
The Minister moved through several programme sites, engaging with SASA! Community Activists, Moyo Olemekeza participants, Community Victim Support Units, social welfare officers, health workers and volunteers.
She commended their dedication to protecting women, children and families, describing their work as the heart of government’s vision to build safe and dignified communities.
While celebrating the gains, Navicha acknowledged that challenges such as gender-based violence, child marriage and teenage pregnancy remain.
She reaffirmed government’s resolve to strengthen prevention, improve coordinated services and ensure survivors receive justice, health care and psychosocial support without delay.
She further urged traditional leaders, religious leaders, parents and young people, including men and boys, to champion positive values and speak out against all forms of abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the PKN consortium, WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera said the programme continues to empower communities to address harmful norms and improve access to support services.
The consortium includes WOLREC, WAG, FEDOMA and GENET, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The visit highlighted the impact of Professor Peter Mutharika’s leadership in appointing committed public servants like Hon. Navicha.
Her energy, compassion and focus on grassroots results reflect the President’s vision of a government that works with communities to protect the most vulnerable.
Observers in Balaka said Navicha’s approach of listening, encouraging and working alongside the people is winning her wide admiration and making her one of the most loved voices in the fight for dignity and equality.
