Female police officers from Lumbadzi Police Station have been challenged to take a leading role in preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) by providing professional, compassionate and survivor-centred services to victims.
The call was made on Wednesday at the close of a two-day Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response training held at Atsikana Walani Technical College in Lumbadzi.
Training facilitator, Lindiwe Jere, a Gender, Governance, Protection and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Specialist, said participants were equipped with knowledge and practical skills in survivor-centred policing, case management, evidence preservation, referral pathways and the legal framework on GBV.
Jere said harmful cultural practices, gender inequality, poverty, alcohol and substance abuse remain among the major drivers of GBV.
She added that stronger collaboration between the police, community leaders and other stakeholders is key to preventing violence and supporting survivors.
Officer-in-Charge for Lumbadzi Police Station, Mable Msefula, said the training had enhanced officers’ ability to handle GBV cases professionally, improve investigations and provide respectful and confidential services to survivors.
She acknowledged that under-reporting, fear of stigma and harmful cultural beliefs continue to hinder efforts to combat GBV.
Nonetheless, she expressed confidence that the training would help officers address these challenges through improved investigations, community engagement and stronger coordination with service providers.
Msefula also urged survivors and members of the community to report GBV cases to police without fear.
She assured them of the Malawi Police Service’s commitment to protecting survivors and bringing offenders to justice.
The training was organised by Moravian Humanitarian and Development Services (MOHDEVS). It brought together female police officers from Lumbadzi Police Station and MOHDEVS staff.
