Gertrude abandons BEAM, on for children

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Gertrude Mutharika

First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has urged Malawians to protect children in the country from all forms of abuse.

She said this when she decided to take a break from the usual Beautify Malawi (BEAM) messages she has been associated with, to plead a case for the children of Malawi.

Mutharika said on the Day of the African Child which falls on June 16 that the people of Malawi need to take it as their responsibility to protect the children. One of the aims of the day is to highlight the plight of African children and the abuse they face.

Gertrude Mutharika
Gertrude Mutharika wants children protected. (File)

In the country, abuses against children are rampant as every day the media is filled with reports of rape and other forms of sexual abuse against children.

Statistics show that in Malawi one out of five girls are abused before the age of 18 and one out of seven boys are abused before the age of 18.

Madam Mutharika said there is need to take action in order to protect children against abuses.

“There is need for action in the protection of children in the country as at the moment it is at an alarming rate,” said Madam Mutharika.

She added that Malawians need to be aware of the laws enacted by government on child protection so that children are protected in the country.