Harmful cultural practices shame us all – Mutharika

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Peter Mutharika

President Arthur Peter Mutharika says harmful cultural practices tarnish the image of the country and bring shame to Malawians.

The president made the remarks through a statement released by his press secretary Mgeme Kalirani in the wake of reports that some individuals and communities in Nsanje continue to sexually abuse the girl child and women.

The President said his government is committed to protecting girls and women in the country.

He added that the aim of his commitment is to ensure that men join hands with women in the elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse against women and girls.

Peter Mutharika
Peter Mutharika says some caultuural practices are a shame to Malawi.

The Malawi leader said he is saddened to note that there are reports of girls being abused in Nsanje district.

He added that the most shocking thing on these abuses is that they are reportedly done with the full knowledge and support of some parents who ironically are supposed to be the guardians of the innocent children and the girls.

“The spotlight on this issue clearly shows that there are others who have not yet abandoned practices that are harmful, injurious to the lives of children, girls and women and that invariably violate their rights. Government will not tolerate such human rights violations upon any child, girl or woman,” reads part of the statement from the presidency.

Following these reports, Mutharika has ordered the arrest of Eric Aniva, a 40 year old Malawian man who is infected with HIV and has over the past years been paid to sleep with young girls in Nsanje district,