Umunthu Plus says it is working to promote peace and strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms at the community level by empowering women with practical skills and knowledge. The organization believes that building the capacity of women, who are often directly involved in or affected by conflicts, can help foster lasting peace in rural communities.
This was said during the opening of a two-day training session being held on Thursday in Salima, targeting women leaders from various forums and community-based groups in Nkhotakota. The training focuses on conflict management, resolution, and peacebuilding.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Umunthu Plus, Lumbani Mgula said the initiative is designed to equip women with tools they can use to handle everyday disputes in their communities.
“These are the same women who often bear the brunt of conflict, yet they are also the first responders. Strengthening their ability to manage and resolve conflicts is key to community resilience,” Mgula explained.
Dumisani Katundu, a facilitator from the Nkhotakota Magistrate’s office, welcomed the initiative, saying that not all conflicts should end up in court.
“There are matters that can be resolved at community level. What people lack sometimes is just the skill to listen, understand, and mediate. This training is closing that gap,” he said.
In her remarks, vice chairperson of the Malenga Chanzi Women Forum, Esther Pasanje described the training as eye-opening. “We are many as women, and with numbers come challenges. This training is timely, it’s going to help us address issues faster and more peacefully in our communities,” she said.
(By Manson Mchizi)
