gracious – Kwathu ndi Kwanu

Protecting Refugee Women and Girls in Malawi: Why It Matters

gracious — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:52:22 +0000

Malawi’s government has set a final deadline for refugees to return to Dzaleka, the country’s only authorized refugee camp. This decision has far-reaching consequences, especially for refugee women and girls who have been living outside the camp and have little say in their future.

According to a recent article by VOA News, Malawi’s government has ordered all refugees living outside of Dzaleka to return by the end of April 2023, citing security concerns and the need to streamline refugee management. The decision has sparked controversy and concern among human rights advocates who argue that the move violates refugees’ rights and could put them at risk of abuse and exploitation.

For refugee women and girls, the situation is particularly dire. Many have been living outside the camp because they have been unable to find shelter or support in Dzaleka or because they have found better opportunities outside the camp. They have built new lives, formed relationships, and contributed to their host communities, despite facing many challenges and obstacles.

Now, with the deadline looming, these women and girls are facing an uncertain future. They fear being uprooted from their homes, losing their livelihoods, and being subjected to overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and limited opportunities in the camp. They worry about their safety and the safety of their children, especially if they have experienced gender-based violence or discrimination.

As we approach the end of April 2023, it is crucial to remember that refugee women are human beings with rights, aspirations, and dignity. Governments and international organizations must ensure that their policies and actions do not put them at risk or undermine their agency and resilience. The plight of refugee women and girls in Malawi is a heart-wrenching one that demands our attention and action. With the deadline for their return to Dzaleka approaching, these women and girls are facing a precarious future with no certainty or hope.

We cannot sit by and watch as refugee women and girls in Malawi face an uncertain future.

Your donation can make a significant impact, not only in the lives of these refugees but also in creating a more just and compassionate world. Let’s stand in solidarity with refugee women and girls in Malawi and empower them to rebuild their lives. Together, we can make a difference.

Please consider making a donation today and help us support refugee women and girls in Malawi. Your contribution can change lives and promote social justice.

“Climate Change, Cyclone Freddy, and the Invisible Victims: How GBV Impacts Women and Girls in the Aftermath”

gracious — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:57:55 +0000

It is crucial to recognize the intersectionality of climate change and gender-based violence and take steps to address both. As the quote from Simone de Beauvoir suggests, women’s rights can easily be put in jeopardy during times of crisis, including climate-related disasters. The current situation in Malawi, where Cyclone Freddy has caused the displacement of thousands of people and led to the declaration of a state of disaster, highlights the additional risks faced by women and girls during such emergencies.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change and its consequences, including displacement, food insecurity, and loss of access to resources and services. This can make them more vulnerable to all forms of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and forced marriage.

It is important to prioritise gender-responsive approaches in disaster management and climate change adaptation efforts. This includes ensuring that women and girls have equal access to resources, services, and decision-making processes, as well as addressing the underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to gender-based violence. It also involves providing safe and accessible spaces for women and girls, as well as strengthening GBV response services in disaster-affected areas.

Addressing the intersectionality between climate change and gender-based violence is essential to ensuring that women’s rights are protected and that they have the necessary support and resources to adapt to the changing climate. This requires a gender-responsive approach to disaster management and climate change adaptation efforts, as well as addressing the underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to gender-based violence. This includes investing in GBV response services during emergencies, promoting women’s leadership and participation in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, and addressing the root causes of climate change and GBV, such as patriarchy, inequality, and environmental degradation.

It is important to acknowledge that climate change and gender-based violence are not separate issues, but rather a crisis within a crisis. By addressing both, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

Picture: AL Jazeera

Our community needs your help!

Our community located in Neno has been heavily affected by Cyclone Freddy, many have been displaced and are currently living in camps. We aim to raise 5500 USD as our target goal (5.2 MWK); these funds will be used to support families and get them the necessities to support them until they are back on their feet, we intend to support the women and children with food packages, cooking oil, flour, blankets and clothes. Although there have been several reliefs made to support the victims, our target and focus is the rural women and children that have been affected.

Exploring Malawi Remotely: E-Volunteering with Kwathu Ndi Kwanu

gracious — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:52:31 +0000

When I was entering the world of post-secondary education after finishing high school, I had virtually no idea what I wanted to do with my life. However, I was certain of the fact that I wanted to work in a field where I could work alongside passionate people towards a cause that is important to me. It is for that reason that I chose the University of Waterloo’s International Development program and its partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) international volunteer opportunities. Throughout my entire university career, I was looking forward to the opportunity to travel to work directly with an organization for eight months during my fourth year in September 2021, as collaborating with individuals and communities to make positive long-lasting change was to be the highlight of my post-secondary experience.

Unfortunately, as with many things, the COVID-19 pandemic affected my ability to travel to Malawi and work with Kwathu Ndi Kwanu as a Communications and Partnership Officer. Though this was upsetting news to be dealt, the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu team immediately welcomed me to the team with open arms and encouragement. I felt engaged from the very start of my e-volunteering assignment as we spent time getting to know one another, discussing projects over Google Meet and navigating our way around the substantial time difference between Ontario and Malawi.

Flash forward approximately three months to January of 2022, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go forward with remotely volunteering with Kwathu Ndi Kwanu. I have discovered so much about myself, the incredible young women I work with, and the communities the organization supports in the last 90 days. I am always thrilled to share my experience and personal anecdotes with loved ones, strangers, and almost anyone who will listen! When entering this position, I thought I had an extensive understanding of how social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter operated, but I was quickly shown that I still had a lot to learn. I have expanded my knowledge and overall marketing skills on social media and improved my content creation while working with the communications team all while continuing to be creative in designing graphics and writing engaging copy for posts.

Personal and professional development matters aside, working with the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu team has been a dream due to the organization’s dedication to its partnerships with local artisans, young single mothers, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). I have been a passionate intersectional feminist since my early high school days and had always hoped to work with a cause that aligns with my values. Knowing that the work Kwathu Ndi Kwanu organizes with local artisans directly supports young single mothers and GBV survivors makes the work I do with the organization feel even more rewarding than it already is. Despite the time and space between myself, the team, and our partners, I feel incredibly connected and wholeheartedly welcomed in the organization. If I could travel back in time to let a younger version of myself know that at the age of 22, I would not only be studying a topic I am passionate about but also working directly with an organization that shares virtually every single personal value I hold close to my heart I doubt she would believe me, but she would be elated.

I truly hope to visit the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu and WUSC teams at some point, as I would like to thank them personally for the tremendous life-changing opportunity to work with such an impactful organization in such unprecedented times. I have only reached the halfway point of the duration of my placement, and I have so much more room to grow with the guidance and support from the incredible team I have been paired with. I cannot describe the joy that comes with volunteering for an organization that aligns with your personal values, so I can only suggest you simply do it yourself to feel that joy too.