Presidential Advisor on Safe Motherhood, Dorothy Ngoma, has called on women of the Anglican Church in Malawi to protect young girls by engaging in open discussions about sexual and reproductive health.
Ngoma delivered the message at Malosa Secondary School Grounds in Zomba, where she represented First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera at the opening of a three-day celebration in honour of Mary Sumner, the founder of the Anglican Mothers’ Union.
Ngoma, who is also a member of the union, expressed concern that girls under the age of 18 continue to fall pregnant, often under the watch of older women who are active in the church.
Bishop Alinafe Kalemba of the Southern Anglican Diocese also voiced his concern over cultural practices that focus on sexuality, such as traditional initiation ceremonies.
“These activities encourage youngsters to engage in immoral behaviour,” said Kalemba.
The Anglican women are commemorating the 2024 Mary Sumner Day under the theme “Serving God Faithfully in an Unfaithful World.”
