2016 International Women’s Day

Written by Roseanna Anderson

YONECO pavilion at Lukalazi school in Nkhata Bay

On the eighth of March, 2016, women from an array of backgrounds: journalists, police women, farmers, peanut butter connoisseurs and business women as well as mothers and grandmothers from rural communities filled a plot of land on the outskirts of Nkhata Bay. We were celebrating International Women’s Day. As Progressio and Yoneco volunteers we rallied onto the pitch, our lurid green chitenjes proudly advertising the charity and the parity it stands for. Other women were uniform too, with countless chitenjes displaying a portrait of Arthur Peter Mthalika (the current Malawian president) beside images of maize- the country’s staple source of carbohydrates.

While the female presence was overwhelming, it was incredibly reassuring to see such a high volume of men too; often it can be perceived that feminist issues exclude men and boys. The #HeForShe campaign is evidently having an impact here as young photographers paraded the hash tag on t-shirts and a section of the speech recognised the importance of equal participation and responsibility to achieve equality of the sexes as well as stressing the need to focus on boy’s education.

2016 saw International Women’s Day with a local goal: to ‘call, commit and act for parity’. In the past it seems social action has been somewhat unsatisfying and while the country is seeing gender restraints loosened there are still visible effects of the deep running matriarchy that dominates the nation. For example, of all the chiefs of all the tribes gathered for the event, only two were female amongst a crowd of men. Patricia Kaliati –an MP and Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare- spoke of the sad statistic that one in three women are subject to gender based violence and 27% of Secondary School girls have experienced some form of sexual harassment by people close to them.  The need to focus on keeping young girls in schools and out of early or forced marriages was reiterated, highlighting how half of the population being lowly educated not only decimates any attempt at the future’s equality but also hinders the economy. Ms Kaliati proceeded to place emphasis on individual action for men and women; she called for a collective movement towards a stronger, most just society.

Having drawn attention to some uninspiring figures, the ceremony continued with a parade of female accomplishments. From police women to MP’s, each individual had a narration of their successes. This served to remind how far Malawi has come towards gender parity and that individual bravery to act against gender norms can aid to diminish inequality. A round of enthusiastic applause and celebration followed each story as the women circled the field, energising the crowd before the music ensued. And of course, being in Africa, more and more people broke into dance.

A group of male traditional dancers arrived dressed entirely in white with feathers decorating their headpieces. Next a body of women in vibrant chitenjes began to move in sync with the music. Seeing the joy that dancing had catalysed among the crowd was enough to encourage me, after much persuasion, to join in. The decision proved to be worthwhile because as soon as I began dancing the crowd let out a whooping cheer of appreciation. I even received personal thanks and handshakes from a few ladies beside me; they clearly appreciated my engagement in the dancing that is so fundamental to Malawian culture. It was an honour for me to be so welcomed in an entirely foreign ceremony.

Minister of Gender Hon. Patricia Kaliati with the UNWomen and UNAIDS country rep launching the Gender Policy at Lukalazi in Nkhata Bay

The day had filled me with enthusiasm and energy to continue pressing for equal treatment of everyone. It reminded me of how the feminist movement is evolving as the country adapts while it noticed the leaps that still need to be made. It was a celebration of the achievements of women and while the day was commendable and arguably imperative to change, I am hoping to see a future in which educated and professional women are no longer seen as anomalies. YONECO also shared the messages to the people who gathered at the function on programs conducted by the organisation which included life skills, sexual reproductive health rights education and issues of GBV and helpline services through 116 Toll Free Line.   

Examining HIV stigma and discrimination, its psychological effects and how informing and catalysing active conversations can better educate society, decrease discrimination and aid prevention for new generations.

Written  by Roseanna Anderson

 

Alice with her two children 

Alice Pande is a twenty five year old mother of two living in the rural village of Mpamba, Northern Malawi. Her children, Zoe (who is almost two years old) and Joseph (four years old) joined her throughout our parenting session and the interview. Zoe slept and nestled in her chest or clutched at Alice’s breast for milk, while Joseph sat at his mother’s ankles, gazing up at her when she spoke. The young mother spoke with a relaxed confidence as she told her story...

Growing up in rural Malawi in what she described as a ‘poor family’, she has constantly struggled financially. 80% of Malawians live in rural areas and are often plummeted into difficult times when low rainfall destroys the crops they rely upon. Alice observed poverty and its repercussions all around her: women resorting to prostitution and parent’s inability to provide for their families being among the few worries. Alice chose marriage at the age of nineteen and she described to me how she saw this as sanctity from prostitution and HIV. Moreover, she had married ‘for love, not money’ and she and her husband are now struggling to provide basic education for their eldest son because of this, despite their relentless efforts.

While Alice leads a difficult life, she is among the community of HIV negative and talked about her conscious effort to avoid it. Before agreeing to marriage, her and her husband had walked together to the hospital for HIV testing. They only headed to the registry office when both of their statuses were revealed to be clear of HIV. In a country where approximately 10% of the population are HIV positive (according to a 2014 UNAIDS study) this course of action is understandable.

While Alice was not directly affected by the tragedy of HIV, she had to confront it when her older sister revealed her status. A young woman herself, Mercy was initially plummeted into the encompassing fear that HIV commits on sufferers. Too afraid to talk, Mercy contained all of her anxiety within herself for weeks: she eventually began contemplating suicide. It was at this precipice that Mercy turned to her family for help. After revealing what must have felt like a confession with all the bravery she could summon, her family exiled her. They refused her a seat at the dinner table because of her status and fed into the discrimination. All of her fears had manifested in the ones she trusted the most. It was only Alice who showed her any sympathy.

She was at that time her only friend. Alice spent time cooking for her and acting as a councillor. Reassuring Mercy of the possibility of a healthy life, Alice enlightened her to regain the happiness she had once known. She directed her to professional councillors and doctors who treated Mercy with ARV drugs as well as aiding her mental health. Mercy is now living a fulfilling life again with her five children. Sadly, this is not the case for so many who experience stigma and discrimination, it can only be thanked that Mercy had at least one person to turn to.

Alice had been active in the sexual health and parenting workshops. These sessions had given her the understanding to confront HIV without trepidation. She had access to the services provided by YONECO in partnership with Progressio and was brave enough, in the midst of discrimination, to stand beside her sister. She chose information and understanding to abolish her own fears and preconceptions and is now catalysing this change in others. She tells me that after a parenting session in Mkumbira, she realised the need to be open with her children about sex and sexuality for their health and well-being. She wants to discuss HIV with them too. Her biggest fears, she says ‘is that they will not listen to her’ and put themselves at risk; she will do all she can to best educate her children. Observing the admiration they have for her, this fear will surely subside.

With Progressio developing in new locations such as in Nkhata Bay, where YONECO operates, there will an ever growing population of people fighting stigma- first internally and then in their communities. There will be more parents like Alice: free from prejudice and unafraid to lead the fight against HIV and AIDS. Malawi will thus grow ever more liberated from the social ailments of HIV/AIDS. Currently 15-19 year olds count for almost 40% of new infections (UNAIDS 2014) but with more youth being engaged in active conversations about HIV there is hope that Malawi will see this figure decrease.

Education and information must forefront social change leading to a more just nation. Malawi can hope to see its population better educated and better able to battle both the physical effects of HIV/AIDS and the stigma and discrimination too. Ameliorating the fear of discussing HIV/AIDS will result in a generation of youth better equipped to protect themselves from psychological effects such as depression due to HIV/AIDS but also from developing new infections. While there remains much farther as a country to travel towards a HIV free society, every individual feat is a great accomplishment and Alice’s story can spur hope and motivation for the remaining battle.

Drawing Lessons from the Tale of Two Friends

By: Alfred Mwanda 

Waziona and Tambwali were best friends. They helped one another in times of sorrows and frustrations. Their wives also interacted very well and they were lucky and they all thanked almighty God for giving them such loving and caring husbands.

Both Tambwali and Waziona were working at a post office, although the two were good firiends, Tambwali was admiring the wife of Waziona and secretly he was doing everything possible to entice Waziona`s wife for them to engage in a secret sexual relationship.

On the morning of monday as they were going to work, Tambwali told waziona that he was not feeling well, therefore, he said he will not be able to work as required and he asked Waziona if he can be allowed to go back home and have some bed rest, in response Waziona said “my friend do not force yourself to report for duties when you are not feeling well, go home and have some rest, I will inform the supervisor on the same.”

Tambwali happily went back to his house, upon arrival his wife welcomed him, however, she was wondering as to why he has returned from the work at such early hours. Tambwali went straight to the bedroom and changed the clothes, thereafter he told his wife that he was going to deliver things to his friend`s wife.  Though Tambwali`s wife insisted to know the type of things he wanted to deliver but Tambwali did not reveal, saying his wife has no mandate to question his husband on everything he does.

A few hours later, Tambwali arrived at Waziona`s house and he was cordially welcomed by Waziona`s wife, 

“Takulandirani alamu!” (welcome!) Screamed waziona`s wife. 

Tambwali started clearing his throat by saying: mlamu all along I have been wondering as to why a beautiful woman like you, that deserve to be crowned Miss Malawi married to simple and villagish waziona, you know quite me right, you are misusing yourself by only relying to that man Waziona, I wish you well thats why I have decided to come and have a side meeting with you for the benefit of you.

Ha,ha,ha laughed Waziona`s wife ,  Alamu am I dreaming, how can you say that? Is my husband not your friend? “I have no problem with Mr Waziona he gives me happines thats all what I need from him.” Tambwali upon hearing this, he fished out K20,000 from his pocket and said to Waziona`s wife, here is the money you can buy anything you wishes, to this end, Waziona hits the nail on his head by saying to Waziona`s wife that the two should be in secret sexual relationship.

Later the relationship started and one day Tambwali and the wife of waziona agreed to go and enjoy the view of the Lake Malawi in Mangochi. Both of them cheated their spouse that they are visiting their relatives in their respective villages and indeed the trip to mangochi was organised.

On the way back from the lake they had an accident in which both of them sustained serious injuries and they were rushed to hospital. Waziona and the wife of Tambwali got the news of the accident and immediately they went to hospital where both Tambwali and Wazion`s wife were admitted.  They were all shocked to learn that Tambwali and Waziona's wife were together in the vehicle which Tambwali hired. Furthermore, the fact that  they were in mangochi giving each other memorable moments made them to cry like hungry babies looking for their mothers to breast feed them. Nobody believed that  Tambwali was cheating and going out with his friend's wife.

Readers,  according to what happened ...

1.     Should waziona forgive his friend Tambwali ?

2.     should tambwali's wife be the guardian of Tambwali at the hospital, considering the fact that Tambwali cheated her ?

3.     Who is to blame between Tambwali and Waziona`s wife? [give the reason for your answer]

4.     What do you think could be done to re-unite Tambwali and Waziona?

Note: questions above are voluntary, such that you are not forced to answer all questions, you can answer one of them or give a general comment based on the story.

A feminist in Malawi

Written by Roseanna Anderson

The drive into Nkhata Bay and discoveries hereafter:

Jacob and Tom leading the teams

My first sights of Africa were exactly as I had seen in the photos, yet that only made the experience more surreal. Winding dirt roads and women shrouded in vibrancy, balancing baskets or buckets on their heads. Children topless and running to wave at us or men walking along the dust path, boxed into suits in the blistering sun. The tarmac had crumbled at the edges, immediately met by the earth. No paths, just road -the cusp between bitten and irregular- an obstacle for the bikes forced to the edges. Nature has its way here: it is left to thrive. As we drive I notice the earth change colour: from the flat grey tone that brushed the land to this thick copper colour. The dust here is red too, similar to the dirty colour of drying blood. We know we are nearing the lake because we are hassled by more and more figures. They are shaking fish at our car. Some of them cooked, some just limp corpses, dangled by their lifeless fins. The water brings life, where there is life there is life there must also be death. This time, the death is of the fish.

Fish is central to Nkhata Bay’s economy. As volunteers here a lot of our time is spent around fishing families. Fish is seen on every dinner table and every roadside stall, cooked and murky brown. Seen fresh caught on every other stall- neat in shiny piles like curled up silver chains. The lucky ones can still be glimpsed darting in the Bay’s waters. Yet there remains one hidden transaction in the fish’s journey. Something seen as unspeakable but something that has to be discussed. It is our driver, who tells us of the women.

They wander out when night comes; husbands still hard asleep, dresses on, puckered up, waiting: for the fishermen. The deed is done anywhere they can find: in the reeds and in the dark. In exchange, she receives a lump sum of fish. Not cold cash but warm, wet fish. Something about this makes me curl my lips down and wince. It is the crudity of it; it seems somehow more exploitative. Somehow more desperate. Less of a choice. Less of a skill or a service being given, more like exchanging body for bodies. Woman for fish. It is the baseness of weighing out her worth, one by one. Somehow more objectifying. Yet the longer I think of it, the less so it seems. Is it not exactly the same as prostitution anywhere in the world? Fish is just another currency, and a vital one at that. These women are not being forced physically by anyone. Is it not their choice?

Yes, free will plays a part here. However, this particular transaction is truly a reflection of the opportunities open to males and their female counterparts. Men fish. Women sell whatever they can. Despite their relentless ingenuity-fighting for business on little market stalls-women here are still struggling. Despite all their strength, hacking into tough earth, barefoot, each heavy hit fast and precise, it still is not enough. Some farmers only grow food enough to feed themselves. Even this relies upon rainfall so people in poverty can be left with no options. Malawi is 39% below the poverty line and with no state benefits; people everywhere have to fight for an income. This is why, when contemplating the argument of consent, the conclusion must always be very different to that of England. Here, there is often no other option.

Children on bare foot down the hills of to the shore 

When I was first plunged into the culture of Malawi, it seemed as if I had gone back in time. To a time when women were explicitly told what to wear-unlike that facade of freedom that sneers behind backs. To a time where I am explicitly told not to travel alone, what dresses to wear, unlike the sly way ‘my fault’ is implied in the UK. To a time at least where there are more pressing problems to be disputed than dress code. Not that any feminist feat is any less important than another. Quite the opposite in fact: that they are all intertwined. Women are united in our struggles, however varied, because they all stem from the same strain of oppression.

Surprisingly, my behaviour was increasingly flexible to these patriarchal measures when I was the one facing shame for wearing anything above the knee. This fear of being judged or isolated from the crowd catalysed a powerful appreciation for the Suffragettes. Imprisoned and force fed-stripped of even their ability to choose suicide-for a vote that is so easily taken for granted. Their bravery astounded me. I could understand why the women here conformed because I was conforming too. In similar ways I conform at home: removing body hair (something that women are not expected to do here at all) or making sure I wear makeup for an interview. Despite all the differences, there are the same fights going on all over the world, if at different rates. And the more I thought about it, the more similar these two sides of the globe seemed to be.

Exploring the Relationship between the UK and Malawian ICS Volunteers

By - Mc Donald Chikusi

Work in progress- ICS Volunteers interacting with young people

It is so interesting to see how our Masomphenya team, based in Nkhata Bay is working hand in hand sharing ideas on culture, dressing, food, housing and language. Though the team is performing well together there are some challenges which the volunteers are facing.

One of the challenges is communication because there is an obvious language barrier. Some In-Country Volunteers are just learning how to speak English and UK Volunteers tend to speak fast. At the workshops, people in the community are not able to understand English so it means the local volunteers have to interpret.

To overcome the challenge of communication the UK volunteers are trying to speak slowly. Also, team language sessions are conducted every week help them get to know how to speak the local language for better communication with the communities.

Weather is another challenge faced by the Volunteers in the Masomphenya Team because we are located near the Lake which sometimes causes high rainfall, bringing some difficulties when walking to the office. However, the team members have managed to buy umbrellas to help keep them dry during rainfall.  The slippery mud is still an obstacle though!

On Religion and cultural beliefs we all accept our friend’s views and allow them to enjoy their right to expression by not forcing them to do things they don’t want to do. For example, many people in Malawi go to church on Sunday but in the UK there are many Atheists. This could have caused a clash in opinions. However, we all show an understanding and respect for each other’s different cultures and talking openly about our beliefs and opinions.

Another difference is family size. In the UK, having more children is expensive and to raise the child up to the

ICS Volunters conducting an SRH and R session with secondary
school students in Nkhata Bay district 

stage where he/she can be independent is difficult. On the other hand, in Malawi having more children is a source of income because they help in farming activities. Despite these differences in family size and culture we all still working together to achieve our goals.

'Masomphenya' means 'vision' and despite differences in skin colour, family norms, cultural beliefs and values, we are all working towards the same goal. We are all battling for a better educated youth on issues of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. We are all fighting issues of HIV and AIDS together for a better future for Malawi. It is this shared vision that drives us forward together as a team and allows us to accept each other’s differences.

Enthralled by Innovative Out-of-school Young Mothers from Chituka in Nkhata Bay

For quite some time, many people and some studies have indicated that poverty plays a role in exposing young people more especially girls to HIV infection. Without affirming or dismissing the assertion stated above, a number of initiatives like social safety nets and other innovative strategies have been designed to support needy young people.

Upon seeing how vulnerability could lead them into temptations, out of school young mothers can borrow a leaf from a group that enthralled me in Nkhata Bay district.

On one particular Tuesday morning, I and some colleagues travelled to the western side of Nkhata Bay district. The aim of our expedition was to strictly have a chat with young people in Chituka village which is in Traditional Authority Malengamzoma’s area.   The youth we visited at Chituka Drop in Centre that was established by YONECO had a lot of success stories that have come about due to YONECO’s Drop in Centre initiative.   We had wonderful discussions and we learnt a lot in terms of how the youth are able to access life skills as well as comprehensive and correct information about their sexual reproductive health.

Just like all other lakeshore districts, temperature in Nkhata Bay is usually high and on this particular day, we decided to go out for an early lunch. We asked our friends from the area to show us where we could get some dry fish for lunch within the vicinity of Chituka Village which has over 200 people.

We bought nice fish from a young lady who only identified herself as Medify. We then proceeded to buy cassava flour, onions and some tomatoes from another young lady- I later learnt that her name was Grace. We realised that we had no matches and cooking oil and one of our young friends from the area escorted us to a small but well stocked retail shop. The young lady who was behind the counter greeted us and happily packed all the things we bought in a blue plastic bag and gave us some change.

On our way back, we asked our companion why everyone who sold us the items was a young lady. We wondered whether the men who own such businesses just force the young girls to handle the businesses on their behalf while they go around drinking. Bulande then asked;

“Do you think they could have been that happy if the businesses were not theirs?”

As we were preparing our lunch, Bulande and other friends from the area gave us a background to the intriguing experience we just had during the time we were purchasing our items. 

With support from UNFPA, YONECO officers in the district facilitated the establishment of a group of single young mothers. Among other things, the aim of the group is to act as a forum where the young mothers should share important information about Sexual Reproductive Health and Health. Furthermore, the group is also effective as YONECO easily reaches out to the young mothers with trainings as well as capacity building exercise in a number of areas.

What we heard about the young mothers’ club prompted us to dedicate the rest of the afternoon in having some talks with the Alinafe Young Mothers Club. Frankly speaking, it was an afternoon well- spent as we learnt a lot from the individual members and their smiles and bright faces also told us a lot.

Now, a closer inspection on the issue of poverty and sexual reproductive health informs us that poor young girls are more vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, STIs including HIV. This is the case due to the fact some unscrupulous men use money and other material things as gambits to have sex with the girls by taking advantage of their vulnerability.

One of the girls from the Young Mothers’ club, Sara, summed it up all by saying that “it is difficult for such young girls who are in serious financial dilemmas to negotiate safe sex as their interest is to make ends meet”.

The young mothers are faced with a challenge of supporting themselves as well as their babies which is not an easy task for them.  

The success came in after a component of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) was introduced into the mainstream activities of the group. The girls managed to access soft loans from the VSLA and they all ventured into various small scale businesses that are now enhancing their socio-economic welfare.  

One of the young mothers whose parents died some years ago, Medify Manda, sells fish and she is a reliable supplier of dry fish in her village. Medify is now able to pay tuition fees for her younger sibling who is in Form 2 of her secondary school studies at one of the secondary schools in the area.

There were a number of achievements which the young mothers told us and with continued support and encouragement from YONECO, the girls are bound to progress further and be able to raise their children without any difficulties.

During this encounter, I realised that young people have the potential to uplift their lives and they just need to be creative in their efforts. We cannot keep on blaming poverty for all our problems while we have the energy to do things that should support us. This group only stands as a model as they have proved that it is possible.

UNFPA has been supporting a number of YONECO’s interventions that are aimed at promoting sexual reproductive health and rights of young people. With support from UNFPA, YONECO has been able to reach out to young people with various SRH interventions in a number of districts including Chikwawa, Machinga and Mangochi. 

Young People from Mangochi District Applaud YONECO for Conducting SRH Outreach Activities in their Areas

Young people from the areas of Traditional Authorities (T/As) Bwananyambi and Chowe hailed YONECO for conducting Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) outreach activities right in their communities. The youth asserted that they are always in need of both SRH services and information but their efforts to access information and services are prevented by long distances to the available delivery points.

Young people from Chisopi village indicated that a nearest delivery point is Nkumba Health Center which is 9 Km away from their area. The young people also revealed that young girls are getting early and unwanted pregnancies due to lack of information and access to SRH services.

The fact that young people from the targeted areas are indeed in need of SRH services manifested itself with the uptake of the services that were being provided during the outreach activity. Many young people went for HIV Counselling and Testing (HTC) and accessed SRH information as well as services

While appreciating the good work which YONECO does for young people, a Headmaster from one of the Primary Schools that are in the area bemoaned the increase in the number of child marriage cases. The Headmaster stated that child marriages are greatly contributing to high school dropout rates of girls in the area.  He further added that many of the adolescent girls who drop out of school are married off to men who work and stay in South Africa.

The Headmaster also indicated that he was very optimistic that providing the adolescents with SRH information and services is a prolific move that will help in reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancies as well as school dropouts as a matter of consequence.

With support from UNFPA, YONECO has been implementing a number of initiatives that are aimed at enhancing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRH&R) as well as the welfare of young people in Nkhata Bay, Mangochi, Machinga, Chiradzulu and Chikwawa districts.  The package of the SRH Outreach Activities for Young People include; HIV Counselling and Testing (HTC), providing contraceptives as well as accurate and age-appropriate information about sex and sexuality.