Initiation ceremonies ignite conflicts in Mangochi

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Malawi Culture

Parents in the area of Traditional Authority Chituli in Malawi’s Mangochi district have blamed chiefs in the area for authorizing initiation ceremonies of girls as young as 5 years-old.

The issue has been raised after Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) conducted a gender based violence sensitization campaign in the area.

According to a parent who opted for anonymity, the girls who were sent to initiation camps are becoming rude to the parents due to the advice they are given at the camps.

Malawi Culture
Initiation ceremonies stir debate.

“They challenged us whenever we advise them saying they know anything that any woman does in marriage, that is how a woman handles a man in bed,” she said.

She added that the act is becoming more serious as the parents fear that the children will contract HIV. On his part, Group Village Headman Nterera said that the issue is not new in the area.

He added that they will discuss the matter with fellow chiefs on how best to curb the situation.