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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Dear All</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks very much for this Fr Steve Kamanga. Its
good to hear that steps in the right direction are being taken in the region and
that both women and men are getting involved in the fight against gender
violence. Its a pity that we did not get any women to share their opinions on
the subject. I hope we will hear from some before we wrap up by end of day
today!!!! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
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<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=radiomaria@malawi.net href="mailto:radiomaria@malawi.net">Fr. Steve
Kamanga jnr</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=alice@genderlinks.org.za
href="mailto:alice@genderlinks.org.za">Alice Kwaramba</A> ; <A
title=egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
href="mailto:egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org">egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, December 12, 2002 2:52
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: Hello</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hie all,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We
had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to
say:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Men have a very important role to play in the
battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we
found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have
made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of
the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very
strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made
shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that
lead to such violences can change.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Here in Malawi I see that the different groups
that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving
male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church
leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our
area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male
dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the
fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject.
Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to
bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in
school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender
sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries
to make sure our laws are gender balanced.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Last Tuesday I was invited to the official
inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental
association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has
special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based
violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of
the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the
government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in
the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that
men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I
think something is being done but we need to do more.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Steve</FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>