The Doris Mollel Foundation (DMF) in collaboration with Wote Sawa and other community education stakeholders, has conducted an awareness campaign for children and residents of Malinyi District on the importance of the Gender Desk, reporting acts of violence and protecting children’s rights.
The education programme aimed to increase community awareness of children’s rights and how to seek assistance when faced with violence, while encouraging residents not to remain silent but to report cases to the relevant authorities in a timely manner.
Speaking during the exercise, Doris Mollel Foundation Agent, Edwiga Anthony Kimario, said the education was part of efforts to empower children and the community to understand their rights and know the appropriate steps to take when they encounter violence.
She said there was still a need for continued community awareness campaigns to ensure that children and members of the public understand where to seek help and how to report cases without fear.
“We want children and members of the community to know their rights and understand that they should not remain silent when facing violence,” said Edwiga.
For his part, the Director of Paralegal services in Malinyi district Rashid Ally Kiding’a, said community participation was crucial in the fight against violence and in ensuring that victims receive justice.
He urged residents to play an active role in combating violence by reporting cases promptly to the relevant authorities so that appropriate action could be taken.
“Residents should report cases early so that appropriate action can be taken and victims can be assisted in accessing justice,” said Kiding’a.
Meanwhile, Frank Simon Nyiga from Community Health Workers said the education was important in promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of the community, stressing that child protection should not be left to one institution alone.
“Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility, therefore the community should work together to ensure that children grow up in a safe environment,” said Nyiga.
Speaking on behalf of the Police Force through the Gender Desk at Malinyi Police Station, WP13533 PC Herieth, said the Police would continue working with residents to receive and address reports concerning acts of violence.
She said the establishment of the Gender Desk was intended to make it easier for victims and members of the public to access assistance and support when faced with violence.
“The Gender Desk is there to assist members of the public, so they should not hesitate to report whenever they need help,” said PC Herieth.
Some residents who attended the awareness programme, Abdallah Ally and Elizabeth Maliganya commended the initiative, saying it had increased their understanding of the importance of the Gender Desk, how to report cases of violence and the community’s responsibility in protecting children.
“This education has helped us understand the appropriate steps to take and how to protect our children,” said Abdallah.
The participants stressed the importance of continuing with similar community awareness programmes to enhance public understanding, particularly among children, of their rights and how to access assistance when faced with acts of violence.