March 10, 1991 may be a long lane to some.
But we know the day is as close to you as the present itself. Keep on going.
It was sad yesterday- when I was watching a rebroadcast of the event by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Television- to see one of the babies who survived that catastrophe.
She is now 20, with a child of her own.
She was found floating on the water; the water that took her mum away forever.
That day- March 10- rains poured all night in Mulanje (now Phalombe District). Then, big rocks started falling from hills and mountains- rocks so big it is still hard to understand how such big rocks got pushed by limbless water.
Many perished in that disaster.
President Bingu wa Mutharika summed it all up when he said: "We do not know, up to now, how many lost their lives in that disaster. Only God knows."
How can a community not count the number of its dead when, others say, in Malawi each one knows everybody else.
Mutharika has the answer; "Some people may have just come here, or happened to be here on the day of that disaster, and perished, too."
He is right. Putting the actual figure at -one-human-being less is immoral.
It is a sin, too. A lie.
But they all lie in peace, anyway, wherever it is they saw the craws of death take their breath away.
And, perhaps, they watch over us; watching over the waters of Mount Mulanje.
Lest they run amok, and take our peace away.
Rest in Peace, our fellow citizens.
Your death has made us one.
The truth, and pain, is one, too.
We are one.
Your souls and our bodies make one nation: of the lost and the living. Only that you are not lost, you are pioneers- gone to sit at the vintage point, and see our souls come- one by one.
When our day comes.
Finally.
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Monday, April 11, 2011
The promises, broken promises of Makanjira
BY RICHARD CHIROMBO
Makanjira, visited between December and March, represents the full meaning of life. This is during Malawi’s traditional rainy season which, in this remote part of Mangochi district, is always pregnant with life-like twists and turns, promises and broken promises.
Take, for a start, my experience during a four-day visit to Makanjira- situated in Mangochi North Constituency, some 105 kilometres from Mangochi Boma- early this month (March). I arrived at Mangochi Boma around 4:00 p.m. the previous day, and immediately booked a place for my night accommodation because I wanted to embark on my journey to Makanjira the next morning, so I could see the morning side of life in this ‘left side’ of the world.
Of course, my perception of Makanjira as the ‘left side’ (meaning, remote part) was ‘corrected’ barely an hour after my arrival in Mangochi as Amran issa, a bicycle-tax runner who took me around town (yes, for a fee!) told me in the face I would be beaten in Makanjira if I ever alluded to the point that it (the area) was on the ‘left side’ of development.
“The’ left side’, or anything to do with the ‘left’,” chipped in Issa, “is taboo here. This is a domain of the Yao, and the Yao- by tradition- treat left-handed people, and thus anything to do with the term left, with contempt. It is the right hand that is the action hand, the positive side.”
I immediately abandoned all ideas about the term ‘left’. There would be nobody to come to my rescue if I referred anything to as left-this or left-that and got beaten for eat! I have always loathed clenched fists and slaps following one bad school experience in 1998.
I remember the time I was brushing my teeth outside our boys (boarding) dormitory at Kaphuka Private Secondary School when, accidentally, some drops of saliva escaped from my ‘brush filaments and landed on a Judo-student’s filaments. He immediately demanded that I buy a new one from the school canteen but I was broke.
It took me some six seconds to weigh my options, during which time I could not make heads or tails on whether to run, borrow money for the replacement, or simply apologise. So the Judo student, thinking that my delayed response was a sign of defiance, gave me a hard slap that sent me sprawling to the ground, which slap has since turned me into some perpetual coward of clenched fists and slaps.
I decided to go back to my room and sleep, immediately after Issa’s ‘timely’ counsel, lest I offend people with my mouth.
It was around 07:00a.m. the next day that I started off for Makanjira, hiring Issa again to drop me at M’baluku (the locale after crossing Bakili Muluzi Bridge), arriving, As it were, some ten minutes later. It is then that the twists and turns, promises and broken promises begun.
It was a bright, sunny day. The sun warmed our bodies. Some people were even heard assuring others that it was a ‘promising’ day, one uninterrupted by dark clouds and strong winds. We boarded a 1-tonne Pick-up, and started off for Makanjira.
We reached Malindi (that place famed for Mlozi and the Slave Trade) some 15 minutes later and the weather changed as dark clouds formed in the sky. Shortly after, heavy rains drenched us just some twenty minutes after we had been warmed by the sun. The first broken promise.
When we finally ended the tarred stretch of the road and ventured into dusty terrain, we realized that there was no drop of rain here. Some of the maize plants were visibly yellow instead of the natural green, the cobs weaker. While maize flourished on the tarred side of life, the dusty side was devoid of rain, another sign of a broken promise because the rainy season is for rains, and the rains ‘chose’ to play discrimination.
In additional, strong winds coming from the opposite direction fought against our Pick-up’s speed, and stuck to our now-drying clothes and hair. It was after some one-hour, forty minutes that we finally saw a beautifully constructed house that is Senior Chief Makanjira’s newly built government house, crossed a bridge with over-flowing waters that were sub-merging maize crops, and arrived at Makanjira Trading Centre.
Welcome to the headquarters of Senior Chief Makanjira. Just that the main centre in Makanjira is not named after that name; it is called Mpiripiri. Chief Makanjira told me later, when I visited his court, that the name Mpiripiri is a dedication to a tree that once graced the whole of Makanjira. Now, only two of such trees are remaining- one inside Senior Chief Makanjira’s court, the other outside.
It is common to see people who have come to the area for the first time take photos of the Mpiripiri tree. It is an endangered species -though not so declared by the experts, who seem so quick to declare wild animals nearly extinct, but take ages to accord the same status to trees- that is there today, but clearly not there for long.
How things change!
Three years ago, you could not imagine the idea of a beer hall, tavern or night club in Makanjira. People used to brew local gin (Kachaso) clandestinely for fear of being ostracized by society. But because inebriated people forget so many ‘normal’ things and make noise where silence would suffice, the brewers have often been discovered and mocked for violating religious principles (Makanjira being a predominantly Islamic area).
Guess what? There is now an ‘open’ bar at Mpiripiri Trading Centre. What’s more? The music there brazes like nobody’s business. However, expect no night queens (commercial sex workers) at the drinking joint. Those who want one simply ask the boys loitering around this lone drinking place, as they know where to get them!
As one teenage boy told me: “The women are there, but not actually there. There because they always come when we inform them that there is a ‘customer’; not there because they don’t accept new-comers when approached directly. After all, how does one know that such a woman is a commercial sex worker? Ours are part time sex service women, not sex workers.”
These (bars and commercial sex work) are symbols of broken promises again. Makanjira was once a quiet, dignified place; now what? Are people getting twisted by life, or is it merely life’s next turn?
“We are not losing touch; people are just opening up,” said the teenage boy who, already, has been to South Africa with his father twice.
I also took some time off, and visited Mozambique. It is a distance of only 10 kilometres, but getting there takes more time than necessary.
In the first place, there is Chitete River to cross. At least six wooden bridges, leaning on concrete stones, have been swept away over the past 15 years. Children and other adult community members have seen the business-side of this development catastrophe and are raking in thousands of Kwacha daily.
The peak time for this type of ‘business’ is the rainy season when water reaches waist-or- neck high. Teenage boys will carry you across the river on their backs at the cost of between K200 and K300, depending on your weight. The stout pay more.
Motorcycles attract a crossing price of K500. This means K500 for the machine, and K200 for the cyclist.
There is a dark side to this flourishing, seasonal business. Teenage boys are running away from such primary schools as Nangungu and Mpiripiri to make quick money. No wonder, according to one of the community members Wallace Chuma, classes at Nangungu are always half-empty.
The children are breaking their promise to go to school, when government fulfilled its by constructing the school blocks- all because the sad turn of events (washing away of bridge At Chitete) has twisted the situation in favour of business.
Then, there is the issue of electricity black-outs and poor mobile communications network. Some ten years ago, Makanjira flourished in the dark. Now, with the resultant connection to the national grid, people are still raising complaints against the artificial light in the dark.
For example, there was a continuos black out during the entire span of my visit to Makanjira. ‘Mr. Yakweyakwe’, as owner of the famed Yakweyakwe Rest House is commonly known, complained that there are times when three months pass by without electricity, yet business people paid to enjoy uninterrupted services.
“This is a major challenge, and affects our businesses. Imagine, some of us receive visitors from as far away as Germany, and these people live in the dark for days on end. What message do they take home? We must be helped on this,” said Yakweyakwe.
It is the same case with mobile communications services. There was only one mobile network service working during my entire visit, and, because I had taken one cell phone, I was incommunicado for three days until I reached Mangochi Central Business District on my way to Blantyre.
But the Malawians are better off, in terms of these services. There is no electricity on the Mozambican border, where famed beer trader Paulo operates his business in grass-thatched ‘halls’.
The twist that is Makanjira is not complete without mentioning the issue of transport fares. From M’baluku, one pays K800. However, from Makanjira to Mangochi, the locals pay between K500 and K600, while the visitor pays k800- another twist to this, otherwise, interesting place.
Makanjira, visited between December and March, represents the full meaning of life. This is during Malawi’s traditional rainy season which, in this remote part of Mangochi district, is always pregnant with life-like twists and turns, promises and broken promises.
Take, for a start, my experience during a four-day visit to Makanjira- situated in Mangochi North Constituency, some 105 kilometres from Mangochi Boma- early this month (March). I arrived at Mangochi Boma around 4:00 p.m. the previous day, and immediately booked a place for my night accommodation because I wanted to embark on my journey to Makanjira the next morning, so I could see the morning side of life in this ‘left side’ of the world.
Of course, my perception of Makanjira as the ‘left side’ (meaning, remote part) was ‘corrected’ barely an hour after my arrival in Mangochi as Amran issa, a bicycle-tax runner who took me around town (yes, for a fee!) told me in the face I would be beaten in Makanjira if I ever alluded to the point that it (the area) was on the ‘left side’ of development.
“The’ left side’, or anything to do with the ‘left’,” chipped in Issa, “is taboo here. This is a domain of the Yao, and the Yao- by tradition- treat left-handed people, and thus anything to do with the term left, with contempt. It is the right hand that is the action hand, the positive side.”
I immediately abandoned all ideas about the term ‘left’. There would be nobody to come to my rescue if I referred anything to as left-this or left-that and got beaten for eat! I have always loathed clenched fists and slaps following one bad school experience in 1998.
I remember the time I was brushing my teeth outside our boys (boarding) dormitory at Kaphuka Private Secondary School when, accidentally, some drops of saliva escaped from my ‘brush filaments and landed on a Judo-student’s filaments. He immediately demanded that I buy a new one from the school canteen but I was broke.
It took me some six seconds to weigh my options, during which time I could not make heads or tails on whether to run, borrow money for the replacement, or simply apologise. So the Judo student, thinking that my delayed response was a sign of defiance, gave me a hard slap that sent me sprawling to the ground, which slap has since turned me into some perpetual coward of clenched fists and slaps.
I decided to go back to my room and sleep, immediately after Issa’s ‘timely’ counsel, lest I offend people with my mouth.
It was around 07:00a.m. the next day that I started off for Makanjira, hiring Issa again to drop me at M’baluku (the locale after crossing Bakili Muluzi Bridge), arriving, As it were, some ten minutes later. It is then that the twists and turns, promises and broken promises begun.
It was a bright, sunny day. The sun warmed our bodies. Some people were even heard assuring others that it was a ‘promising’ day, one uninterrupted by dark clouds and strong winds. We boarded a 1-tonne Pick-up, and started off for Makanjira.
We reached Malindi (that place famed for Mlozi and the Slave Trade) some 15 minutes later and the weather changed as dark clouds formed in the sky. Shortly after, heavy rains drenched us just some twenty minutes after we had been warmed by the sun. The first broken promise.
When we finally ended the tarred stretch of the road and ventured into dusty terrain, we realized that there was no drop of rain here. Some of the maize plants were visibly yellow instead of the natural green, the cobs weaker. While maize flourished on the tarred side of life, the dusty side was devoid of rain, another sign of a broken promise because the rainy season is for rains, and the rains ‘chose’ to play discrimination.
In additional, strong winds coming from the opposite direction fought against our Pick-up’s speed, and stuck to our now-drying clothes and hair. It was after some one-hour, forty minutes that we finally saw a beautifully constructed house that is Senior Chief Makanjira’s newly built government house, crossed a bridge with over-flowing waters that were sub-merging maize crops, and arrived at Makanjira Trading Centre.
Welcome to the headquarters of Senior Chief Makanjira. Just that the main centre in Makanjira is not named after that name; it is called Mpiripiri. Chief Makanjira told me later, when I visited his court, that the name Mpiripiri is a dedication to a tree that once graced the whole of Makanjira. Now, only two of such trees are remaining- one inside Senior Chief Makanjira’s court, the other outside.
It is common to see people who have come to the area for the first time take photos of the Mpiripiri tree. It is an endangered species -though not so declared by the experts, who seem so quick to declare wild animals nearly extinct, but take ages to accord the same status to trees- that is there today, but clearly not there for long.
How things change!
Three years ago, you could not imagine the idea of a beer hall, tavern or night club in Makanjira. People used to brew local gin (Kachaso) clandestinely for fear of being ostracized by society. But because inebriated people forget so many ‘normal’ things and make noise where silence would suffice, the brewers have often been discovered and mocked for violating religious principles (Makanjira being a predominantly Islamic area).
Guess what? There is now an ‘open’ bar at Mpiripiri Trading Centre. What’s more? The music there brazes like nobody’s business. However, expect no night queens (commercial sex workers) at the drinking joint. Those who want one simply ask the boys loitering around this lone drinking place, as they know where to get them!
As one teenage boy told me: “The women are there, but not actually there. There because they always come when we inform them that there is a ‘customer’; not there because they don’t accept new-comers when approached directly. After all, how does one know that such a woman is a commercial sex worker? Ours are part time sex service women, not sex workers.”
These (bars and commercial sex work) are symbols of broken promises again. Makanjira was once a quiet, dignified place; now what? Are people getting twisted by life, or is it merely life’s next turn?
“We are not losing touch; people are just opening up,” said the teenage boy who, already, has been to South Africa with his father twice.
I also took some time off, and visited Mozambique. It is a distance of only 10 kilometres, but getting there takes more time than necessary.
In the first place, there is Chitete River to cross. At least six wooden bridges, leaning on concrete stones, have been swept away over the past 15 years. Children and other adult community members have seen the business-side of this development catastrophe and are raking in thousands of Kwacha daily.
The peak time for this type of ‘business’ is the rainy season when water reaches waist-or- neck high. Teenage boys will carry you across the river on their backs at the cost of between K200 and K300, depending on your weight. The stout pay more.
Motorcycles attract a crossing price of K500. This means K500 for the machine, and K200 for the cyclist.
There is a dark side to this flourishing, seasonal business. Teenage boys are running away from such primary schools as Nangungu and Mpiripiri to make quick money. No wonder, according to one of the community members Wallace Chuma, classes at Nangungu are always half-empty.
The children are breaking their promise to go to school, when government fulfilled its by constructing the school blocks- all because the sad turn of events (washing away of bridge At Chitete) has twisted the situation in favour of business.
Then, there is the issue of electricity black-outs and poor mobile communications network. Some ten years ago, Makanjira flourished in the dark. Now, with the resultant connection to the national grid, people are still raising complaints against the artificial light in the dark.
For example, there was a continuos black out during the entire span of my visit to Makanjira. ‘Mr. Yakweyakwe’, as owner of the famed Yakweyakwe Rest House is commonly known, complained that there are times when three months pass by without electricity, yet business people paid to enjoy uninterrupted services.
“This is a major challenge, and affects our businesses. Imagine, some of us receive visitors from as far away as Germany, and these people live in the dark for days on end. What message do they take home? We must be helped on this,” said Yakweyakwe.
It is the same case with mobile communications services. There was only one mobile network service working during my entire visit, and, because I had taken one cell phone, I was incommunicado for three days until I reached Mangochi Central Business District on my way to Blantyre.
But the Malawians are better off, in terms of these services. There is no electricity on the Mozambican border, where famed beer trader Paulo operates his business in grass-thatched ‘halls’.
The twist that is Makanjira is not complete without mentioning the issue of transport fares. From M’baluku, one pays K800. However, from Makanjira to Mangochi, the locals pay between K500 and K600, while the visitor pays k800- another twist to this, otherwise, interesting place.
The Promises, broken promises of Makanjira
BY RICHARD CHIROMBO
Makanjira, visited between December and March, represents the full meaning of life. This is during Malawi’s traditional rainy season which, in this remote part of Mangochi district, is always pregnant with life-like twists and turns, promises and broken promises.
Take, for a start, my experience during a four-day visit to Makanjira- situated in Mangochi North Constituency, some 105 kilometres from Mangochi Boma- early this month (March). I arrived at Mangochi Boma around 4:00 p.m. the previous day, and immediately booked a place for my night accommodation because I wanted to embark on my journey to Makanjira the next morning, so I could see the morning side of life in this ‘left side’ of the world.
Of course, my perception of Makanjira as the ‘left side’ (meaning, remote part) was ‘corrected’ barely an hour after my arrival in Mangochi as Amran issa, a bicycle-tax runner who took me around town (yes, for a fee!) told me in the face I would be beaten in Makanjira if I ever alluded to the point that it (the area) was on the ‘left side’ of development.
“The’ left side’, or anything to do with the ‘left’,” chipped in Issa, “is taboo here. This is a domain of the Yao, and the Yao- by tradition- treat left-handed people, and thus anything to do with the term left, with contempt. It is the right hand that is the action hand, the positive side.”
I immediately abandoned all ideas about the term ‘left’. There would be nobody to come to my rescue if I referred anything to as left-this or left-that and got beaten for eat! I have always loathed clenched fists and slaps following one bad school experience in 1998.
I remember the time I was brushing my teeth outside our boys (boarding) dormitory at Kaphuka Private Secondary School when, accidentally, some drops of saliva escaped from my ‘brush filaments and landed on a Judo-student’s filaments. He immediately demanded that I buy a new one from the school canteen but I was broke.
It took me some six seconds to weigh my options, during which time I could not make heads or tails on whether to run, borrow money for the replacement, or simply apologise. So the Judo student, thinking that my delayed response was a sign of defiance, gave me a hard slap that sent me sprawling to the ground, which slap has since turned me into some perpetual coward of clenched fists and slaps.
I decided to go back to my room and sleep, immediately after Issa’s ‘timely’ counsel, lest I offend people with my mouth.
It was around 07:00a.m. the next day that I started off for Makanjira, hiring Issa again to drop me at M’baluku (the locale after crossing Bakili Muluzi Bridge), arriving, As it were, some ten minutes later. It is then that the twists and turns, promises and broken promises begun.
It was a bright, sunny day. The sun warmed our bodies. Some people were even heard assuring others that it was a ‘promising’ day, one uninterrupted by dark clouds and strong winds. We boarded a 1-tonne Pick-up, and started off for Makanjira.
We reached Malindi (that place famed for Mlozi and the Slave Trade) some 15 minutes later and the weather changed as dark clouds formed in the sky. Shortly after, heavy rains drenched us just some twenty minutes after we had been warmed by the sun. The first broken promise.
When we finally ended the tarred stretch of the road and ventured into dusty terrain, we realized that there was no drop of rain here. Some of the maize plants were visibly yellow instead of the natural green, the cobs weaker. While maize flourished on the tarred side of life, the dusty side was devoid of rain, another sign of a broken promise because the rainy season is for rains, and the rains ‘chose’ to play discrimination.
In additional, strong winds coming from the opposite direction fought against our Pick-up’s speed, and stuck to our now-drying clothes and hair. It was after some one-hour, forty minutes that we finally saw a beautifully constructed house that is Senior Chief Makanjira’s newly built government house, crossed a bridge with over-flowing waters that were sub-merging maize crops, and arrived at Makanjira Trading Centre.
Welcome to the headquarters of Senior Chief Makanjira. Just that the main centre in Makanjira is not named after that name; it is called Mpiripiri. Chief Makanjira told me later, when I visited his court, that the name Mpiripiri is a dedication to a tree that once graced the whole of Makanjira. Now, only two of such trees are remaining- one inside Senior Chief Makanjira’s court, the other outside.
It is common to see people who have come to the area for the first time take photos of the Mpiripiri tree. It is an endangered species -though not so declared by the experts, who seem so quick to declare wild animals nearly extinct, but take ages to accord the same status to trees- that is there today, but clearly not there for long.
How things change!
Three years ago, you could not imagine the idea of a beer hall, tavern or night club in Makanjira. People used to brew local gin (Kachaso) clandestinely for fear of being ostracized by society. But because inebriated people forget so many ‘normal’ things and make noise where silence would suffice, the brewers have often been discovered and mocked for violating religious principles (Makanjira being a predominantly Islamic area).
Guess what? There is now an ‘open’ bar at Mpiripiri Trading Centre. What’s more? The music there brazes like nobody’s business. However, expect no night queens (commercial sex workers) at the drinking joint. Those who want one simply ask the boys loitering around this lone drinking place, as they know where to get them!
As one teenage boy told me: “The women are there, but not actually there. There because they always come when we inform them that there is a ‘customer’; not there because they don’t accept new-comers when approached directly. After all, how does one know that such a woman is a commercial sex worker? Ours are part time sex service women, not sex workers.”
These (bars and commercial sex work) are symbols of broken promises again. Makanjira was once a quiet, dignified place; now what? Are people getting twisted by life, or is it merely life’s next turn?
“We are not losing touch; people are just opening up,” said the teenage boy who, already, has been to South Africa with his father twice.
I also took some time off, and visited Mozambique. It is a distance of only 10 kilometres, but getting there takes more time than necessary.
In the first place, there is Chitete River to cross. At least six wooden bridges, leaning on concrete stones, have been swept away over the past 15 years. Children and other adult community members have seen the business-side of this development catastrophe and are raking in thousands of Kwacha daily.
The peak time for this type of ‘business’ is the rainy season when water reaches waist-or- neck high. Teenage boys will carry you across the river on their backs at the cost of between K200 and K300, depending on your weight. The stout pay more.
Motorcycles attract a crossing price of K500. This means K500 for the machine, and K200 for the cyclist.
There is a dark side to this flourishing, seasonal business. Teenage boys are running away from such primary schools as Nangungu and Mpiripiri to make quick money. No wonder, according to one of the community members Wallace Chuma, classes at Nangungu are always half-empty.
The children are breaking their promise to go to school, when government fulfilled its by constructing the school blocks- all because the sad turn of events (washing away of bridge At Chitete) has twisted the situation in favour of business.
Then, there is the issue of electricity black-outs and poor mobile communications network. Some ten years ago, Makanjira flourished in the dark. Now, with the resultant connection to the national grid, people are still raising complaints against the artificial light in the dark.
For example, there was a continuos black out during the entire span of my visit to Makanjira. ‘Mr. Yakweyakwe’, as owner of the famed Yakweyakwe Rest House is commonly known, complained that there are times when three months pass by without electricity, yet business people paid to enjoy uninterrupted services.
“This is a major challenge, and affects our businesses. Imagine, some of us receive visitors from as far away as Germany, and these people live in the dark for days on end. What message do they take home? We must be helped on this,” said Yakweyakwe.
It is the same case with mobile communications services. There was only one mobile network service working during my entire visit, and, because I had taken one cell phone, I was incommunicado for three days until I reached Mangochi Central Business District on my way to Blantyre.
But the Malawians are better off, in terms of these services. There is no electricity on the Mozambican border, where famed beer trader Paulo operates his business in grass-thatched ‘halls’.
The twist that is Makanjira is not complete without mentioning the issue of transport fares. From M’baluku, one pays K800. However, from Makanjira to Mangochi, the locals pay between K500 and K600, while the visitor pays k800- another twist to this, otherwise, interesting place.
Makanjira, visited between December and March, represents the full meaning of life. This is during Malawi’s traditional rainy season which, in this remote part of Mangochi district, is always pregnant with life-like twists and turns, promises and broken promises.
Take, for a start, my experience during a four-day visit to Makanjira- situated in Mangochi North Constituency, some 105 kilometres from Mangochi Boma- early this month (March). I arrived at Mangochi Boma around 4:00 p.m. the previous day, and immediately booked a place for my night accommodation because I wanted to embark on my journey to Makanjira the next morning, so I could see the morning side of life in this ‘left side’ of the world.
Of course, my perception of Makanjira as the ‘left side’ (meaning, remote part) was ‘corrected’ barely an hour after my arrival in Mangochi as Amran issa, a bicycle-tax runner who took me around town (yes, for a fee!) told me in the face I would be beaten in Makanjira if I ever alluded to the point that it (the area) was on the ‘left side’ of development.
“The’ left side’, or anything to do with the ‘left’,” chipped in Issa, “is taboo here. This is a domain of the Yao, and the Yao- by tradition- treat left-handed people, and thus anything to do with the term left, with contempt. It is the right hand that is the action hand, the positive side.”
I immediately abandoned all ideas about the term ‘left’. There would be nobody to come to my rescue if I referred anything to as left-this or left-that and got beaten for eat! I have always loathed clenched fists and slaps following one bad school experience in 1998.
I remember the time I was brushing my teeth outside our boys (boarding) dormitory at Kaphuka Private Secondary School when, accidentally, some drops of saliva escaped from my ‘brush filaments and landed on a Judo-student’s filaments. He immediately demanded that I buy a new one from the school canteen but I was broke.
It took me some six seconds to weigh my options, during which time I could not make heads or tails on whether to run, borrow money for the replacement, or simply apologise. So the Judo student, thinking that my delayed response was a sign of defiance, gave me a hard slap that sent me sprawling to the ground, which slap has since turned me into some perpetual coward of clenched fists and slaps.
I decided to go back to my room and sleep, immediately after Issa’s ‘timely’ counsel, lest I offend people with my mouth.
It was around 07:00a.m. the next day that I started off for Makanjira, hiring Issa again to drop me at M’baluku (the locale after crossing Bakili Muluzi Bridge), arriving, As it were, some ten minutes later. It is then that the twists and turns, promises and broken promises begun.
It was a bright, sunny day. The sun warmed our bodies. Some people were even heard assuring others that it was a ‘promising’ day, one uninterrupted by dark clouds and strong winds. We boarded a 1-tonne Pick-up, and started off for Makanjira.
We reached Malindi (that place famed for Mlozi and the Slave Trade) some 15 minutes later and the weather changed as dark clouds formed in the sky. Shortly after, heavy rains drenched us just some twenty minutes after we had been warmed by the sun. The first broken promise.
When we finally ended the tarred stretch of the road and ventured into dusty terrain, we realized that there was no drop of rain here. Some of the maize plants were visibly yellow instead of the natural green, the cobs weaker. While maize flourished on the tarred side of life, the dusty side was devoid of rain, another sign of a broken promise because the rainy season is for rains, and the rains ‘chose’ to play discrimination.
In additional, strong winds coming from the opposite direction fought against our Pick-up’s speed, and stuck to our now-drying clothes and hair. It was after some one-hour, forty minutes that we finally saw a beautifully constructed house that is Senior Chief Makanjira’s newly built government house, crossed a bridge with over-flowing waters that were sub-merging maize crops, and arrived at Makanjira Trading Centre.
Welcome to the headquarters of Senior Chief Makanjira. Just that the main centre in Makanjira is not named after that name; it is called Mpiripiri. Chief Makanjira told me later, when I visited his court, that the name Mpiripiri is a dedication to a tree that once graced the whole of Makanjira. Now, only two of such trees are remaining- one inside Senior Chief Makanjira’s court, the other outside.
It is common to see people who have come to the area for the first time take photos of the Mpiripiri tree. It is an endangered species -though not so declared by the experts, who seem so quick to declare wild animals nearly extinct, but take ages to accord the same status to trees- that is there today, but clearly not there for long.
How things change!
Three years ago, you could not imagine the idea of a beer hall, tavern or night club in Makanjira. People used to brew local gin (Kachaso) clandestinely for fear of being ostracized by society. But because inebriated people forget so many ‘normal’ things and make noise where silence would suffice, the brewers have often been discovered and mocked for violating religious principles (Makanjira being a predominantly Islamic area).
Guess what? There is now an ‘open’ bar at Mpiripiri Trading Centre. What’s more? The music there brazes like nobody’s business. However, expect no night queens (commercial sex workers) at the drinking joint. Those who want one simply ask the boys loitering around this lone drinking place, as they know where to get them!
As one teenage boy told me: “The women are there, but not actually there. There because they always come when we inform them that there is a ‘customer’; not there because they don’t accept new-comers when approached directly. After all, how does one know that such a woman is a commercial sex worker? Ours are part time sex service women, not sex workers.”
These (bars and commercial sex work) are symbols of broken promises again. Makanjira was once a quiet, dignified place; now what? Are people getting twisted by life, or is it merely life’s next turn?
“We are not losing touch; people are just opening up,” said the teenage boy who, already, has been to South Africa with his father twice.
I also took some time off, and visited Mozambique. It is a distance of only 10 kilometres, but getting there takes more time than necessary.
In the first place, there is Chitete River to cross. At least six wooden bridges, leaning on concrete stones, have been swept away over the past 15 years. Children and other adult community members have seen the business-side of this development catastrophe and are raking in thousands of Kwacha daily.
The peak time for this type of ‘business’ is the rainy season when water reaches waist-or- neck high. Teenage boys will carry you across the river on their backs at the cost of between K200 and K300, depending on your weight. The stout pay more.
Motorcycles attract a crossing price of K500. This means K500 for the machine, and K200 for the cyclist.
There is a dark side to this flourishing, seasonal business. Teenage boys are running away from such primary schools as Nangungu and Mpiripiri to make quick money. No wonder, according to one of the community members Wallace Chuma, classes at Nangungu are always half-empty.
The children are breaking their promise to go to school, when government fulfilled its by constructing the school blocks- all because the sad turn of events (washing away of bridge At Chitete) has twisted the situation in favour of business.
Then, there is the issue of electricity black-outs and poor mobile communications network. Some ten years ago, Makanjira flourished in the dark. Now, with the resultant connection to the national grid, people are still raising complaints against the artificial light in the dark.
For example, there was a continuos black out during the entire span of my visit to Makanjira. ‘Mr. Yakweyakwe’, as owner of the famed Yakweyakwe Rest House is commonly known, complained that there are times when three months pass by without electricity, yet business people paid to enjoy uninterrupted services.
“This is a major challenge, and affects our businesses. Imagine, some of us receive visitors from as far away as Germany, and these people live in the dark for days on end. What message do they take home? We must be helped on this,” said Yakweyakwe.
It is the same case with mobile communications services. There was only one mobile network service working during my entire visit, and, because I had taken one cell phone, I was incommunicado for three days until I reached Mangochi Central Business District on my way to Blantyre.
But the Malawians are better off, in terms of these services. There is no electricity on the Mozambican border, where famed beer trader Paulo operates his business in grass-thatched ‘halls’.
The twist that is Makanjira is not complete without mentioning the issue of transport fares. From M’baluku, one pays K800. However, from Makanjira to Mangochi, the locals pay between K500 and K600, while the visitor pays k800- another twist to this, otherwise, interesting place.
Lest We Forget: MCC Signs $350 Million Compact with Malawi
For Immediate Release Contact: Regan Lachapelle
Thursday, April 7, 2011 (202) 521-3718
MCC Signs $350 Million Compact with Malawi
MCC Vice President of Compact Operations Attends Signing Ceremony in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) today signed a $350 million, five-year Compact with the Government of Malawi to invigorate the country’s power sector, spur private investment, and promote long-term, sustainable economic growth. MCC Vice President of Compact Operations Patrick Fine participated in the signing ceremony in Lilongwe.
“We acknowledge that the negotiations have been long and, at times, difficult,” remarked Mr. Fine at the event. “The end result of this process, however, is a robust Compact program – derived from rigorous analysis and broad-based consultations – that will improve the lives of millions of Malawians.”
On January 5, 2011, MCC’s Board of Directors approved the Compact with Malawi, which focuses on improving the availability, reliability, and quality of the country’s power supply, and implementing policy reforms needed to attract private sector investment and ensure the sustainability of MCC’s investments. The Compact includes will focus on increasing the efficiency of existing power generation and upgrading the transmission and distribution network and provide support for Malawi’s policy reform agenda and build capacity in critical institutions, including the nation’s electric utility (ESCOM), energy regulator (Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority) and executive policy-making ministry (Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment). MCC’s investment is expected to generate $2.4 billion in income for more than 5 million Malawians.
The reform of energy sector policies, which will be led by the Malawians, will drive further development of the sector and will enhance sustainability of project outcomes. These reforms are expected to provide the conditions necessary for Malawi to make further public investments and attract new private investment in the sector.
MCC has had concerns about recent changes to Malawi’s penal code and has engaged in a constructive high-level dialogue with the government of Malawi to discuss issues of critical importance to MCC – freedom of expression and human rights. MCC will continue to monitor the Government of Malawi’s performance and commitment to good governance over the course of compact implementation.
For more information on the Malawi Compact please visit: http://www.mcc.gov/pages/countries/program/malawi-compact
###
Mayeso Chirwa
Information Specialist
Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
Old Mutual Building, City Center
P O Box 30016, Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel: 265 (0) 1 772 222 Ext 5218 Cell: 265 (0) 999 591 026/(0) 9 99 953 937
Email: ChirwaMC@state.gov Alternate Email: Mayesoc@gmail.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011 (202) 521-3718
MCC Signs $350 Million Compact with Malawi
MCC Vice President of Compact Operations Attends Signing Ceremony in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) today signed a $350 million, five-year Compact with the Government of Malawi to invigorate the country’s power sector, spur private investment, and promote long-term, sustainable economic growth. MCC Vice President of Compact Operations Patrick Fine participated in the signing ceremony in Lilongwe.
“We acknowledge that the negotiations have been long and, at times, difficult,” remarked Mr. Fine at the event. “The end result of this process, however, is a robust Compact program – derived from rigorous analysis and broad-based consultations – that will improve the lives of millions of Malawians.”
On January 5, 2011, MCC’s Board of Directors approved the Compact with Malawi, which focuses on improving the availability, reliability, and quality of the country’s power supply, and implementing policy reforms needed to attract private sector investment and ensure the sustainability of MCC’s investments. The Compact includes will focus on increasing the efficiency of existing power generation and upgrading the transmission and distribution network and provide support for Malawi’s policy reform agenda and build capacity in critical institutions, including the nation’s electric utility (ESCOM), energy regulator (Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority) and executive policy-making ministry (Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment). MCC’s investment is expected to generate $2.4 billion in income for more than 5 million Malawians.
The reform of energy sector policies, which will be led by the Malawians, will drive further development of the sector and will enhance sustainability of project outcomes. These reforms are expected to provide the conditions necessary for Malawi to make further public investments and attract new private investment in the sector.
MCC has had concerns about recent changes to Malawi’s penal code and has engaged in a constructive high-level dialogue with the government of Malawi to discuss issues of critical importance to MCC – freedom of expression and human rights. MCC will continue to monitor the Government of Malawi’s performance and commitment to good governance over the course of compact implementation.
For more information on the Malawi Compact please visit: http://www.mcc.gov/pages/countries/program/malawi-compact
###
Mayeso Chirwa
Information Specialist
Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
Old Mutual Building, City Center
P O Box 30016, Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel: 265 (0) 1 772 222 Ext 5218 Cell: 265 (0) 999 591 026/(0) 9 99 953 937
Email: ChirwaMC@state.gov Alternate Email: Mayesoc@gmail.com
Africans Aware of Blood-borne HIV Risk Less Likely to be HIV Infected- Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Devon Brewer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
interscientific@yahoo.com MARCH 25, 2011
206-985-2398
Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
Africans Aware of Blood-borne HIV Risk Less Likely to be HIV Infected
SEATTLE, USA -- New research indicates that knowledge of blood-borne HIV risk may
play an important role in preventing HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
The research, published in the March issue of the Journal of Infection in Developing
Countries, was done by Devon D. Brewer, director of the research firm Interdisciplinary
Scientific Research. “I found that Africans who were aware that HIV could be spread
through sharing razors were less likely to be infected with HIV, especially in southern
Africa. Also, in countries with low rates of HIV, many adults were aware of such bloodborne
HIV risk, but in countries with high rates of HIV, very few adults knew about this
danger,” Brewer said. He noted, “if people don't know all the ways a disease spreads,
they can't protect themselves effectively.”
Brewer analyzed data from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 16 sub-Saharan
African countries. The surveys are based on nationally representative samples of
adults. Other analyses showed that the relationship between knowledge of blood-borne
risk and HIV infection cannot be explained by demographic factors or sexual behavior.
In contrast, Africans who knew about condom use as an HIV prevention strategy were
more likely to be infected than those who didn't know about this strategy.
Mali conducted suitable surveys in 2001 and 2006. Malians' knowledge of blood-borne
HIV risk increased dramatically between the two surveys, while HIV prevalence fell
during the same period.
Brewer said “countries in west, central, and east Africa with low rates of HIV and
relatively high awareness of blood-borne HIV risks all had implemented public HIV
education campaigns that focused on such risks. However, in southern Africa, where
HIV rates are very high and knowledge of blood-borne risk is low, public HIV education campaigns have not addressed blood-borne HIV risks.”
He continued, “evidence shows that public health officials in these countries and in international and foreign aid agencies were keenly aware of these risks, yet deprived the public of this life-saving information.”
It would cost very little to include a focus on blood-borne HIV risks in existing public HIV education campaigns. The results from this study suggest that such efforts might be crucial for a country to avoid, or turn back, a severe HIV epidemic.
###
Keywords: HIV, hygiene, blood, knowledge, public education
The full citation to the article is: Brewer DD. Knowledge of blood-borne transmission risk is inversely associated with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2011;5:182-198.
Dr. Brewer received no funding for this study.
Contact: Devon Brewer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
interscientific@yahoo.com MARCH 25, 2011
206-985-2398
Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
Africans Aware of Blood-borne HIV Risk Less Likely to be HIV Infected
SEATTLE, USA -- New research indicates that knowledge of blood-borne HIV risk may
play an important role in preventing HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
The research, published in the March issue of the Journal of Infection in Developing
Countries, was done by Devon D. Brewer, director of the research firm Interdisciplinary
Scientific Research. “I found that Africans who were aware that HIV could be spread
through sharing razors were less likely to be infected with HIV, especially in southern
Africa. Also, in countries with low rates of HIV, many adults were aware of such bloodborne
HIV risk, but in countries with high rates of HIV, very few adults knew about this
danger,” Brewer said. He noted, “if people don't know all the ways a disease spreads,
they can't protect themselves effectively.”
Brewer analyzed data from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 16 sub-Saharan
African countries. The surveys are based on nationally representative samples of
adults. Other analyses showed that the relationship between knowledge of blood-borne
risk and HIV infection cannot be explained by demographic factors or sexual behavior.
In contrast, Africans who knew about condom use as an HIV prevention strategy were
more likely to be infected than those who didn't know about this strategy.
Mali conducted suitable surveys in 2001 and 2006. Malians' knowledge of blood-borne
HIV risk increased dramatically between the two surveys, while HIV prevalence fell
during the same period.
Brewer said “countries in west, central, and east Africa with low rates of HIV and
relatively high awareness of blood-borne HIV risks all had implemented public HIV
education campaigns that focused on such risks. However, in southern Africa, where
HIV rates are very high and knowledge of blood-borne risk is low, public HIV education campaigns have not addressed blood-borne HIV risks.”
He continued, “evidence shows that public health officials in these countries and in international and foreign aid agencies were keenly aware of these risks, yet deprived the public of this life-saving information.”
It would cost very little to include a focus on blood-borne HIV risks in existing public HIV education campaigns. The results from this study suggest that such efforts might be crucial for a country to avoid, or turn back, a severe HIV epidemic.
###
Keywords: HIV, hygiene, blood, knowledge, public education
The full citation to the article is: Brewer DD. Knowledge of blood-borne transmission risk is inversely associated with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2011;5:182-198.
Dr. Brewer received no funding for this study.
A Communiqué on Resolutions of the Second Session of Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament
We honorable members of parliament from Chikhwawa met on Saturday, April 2011, at Makande TDC in Ngabu where the session was headed by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Andrew Artson with funding from World Vision International, Malawi Economic Justice Network with technical assistance from the district council.
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
No arms in the wrong hands
A man shows a crater caused by what he says is the impact of a missile fired from a Libyan army aircraft as he stands in front of an old military plane at a military airport runway in Al Abrak.
Libya has witnessed horrific levels of violence in the last few days. Hundreds of innocent people have died, among them protesters who were peacefully demanding basic political and human rights reform.
Across the Middle East and North Africa region, people have taken to the streets in their thousands to demand change. In far too many cases, they have been met with bullets, shotguns, grenade launchers, riot guns, electro-shock batons, armoured vehicles and police trucks.
A number of states from around the world have supplied arms to these countries. Wouldn’t it help to have a treaty that would stop arms from getting into the hands of those who will use them to commit human rights violations?
You can do something to make this happen.
At the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty negotiations in March, Amnesty International will call on governments to push for a treaty that is strong enough to prevent the horrors now taking place in Libya from taking place in other countries in the future.
Help us show world governments that thousands of people like you support this. Stop arms from getting into the wrong hands.
In Solidarity,
Online Communities Team
Alaphia, Buddha, El-Mutamid and Shehzaad.
Find us on Twitter and Facebook at the Activism Centre.
Amnesty International
International Secretariat
1 Easton Street
London, WC1X 0DW
United Kingdom
www.amnesty.org
A Communiqué on Resolutions of the Second Session of Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament
We honorable members of parliament from Chikhwawa met on Saturday, April 2011, at Makande TDC in Ngabu where the session was headed by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Andrew Artson with funding from World Vision International, Malawi Economic Justice Network with technical assistance from the district council.
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
Statement issued in Dakar, on 8 April 2011: Violations and abuses of Academic Freedom in Malawi
.CODESRIA Postpones Holding of International Colloquium in Honour of Professor
Thandika Mkandawire
One of the African countries where the democratic revolutions in
Tunisia and Egypt have both galvanized the social movements for the
deepening of democracy and provoked authoritarian, knee-jack reactions
from the state and university authorities is Malawi. The Council for
the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and
indeed the entire African intellectual community, have closely been
following events in Malawi, where threats, intimidation and dismissal
of academic staff members of the University of Malawi, are becoming
too frequent. One recent victim of these intolerable treatments is Dr.
Blessing Chinsinga, Associate Professor in the Department of Political
and Administrative Studies at Chancellor College, University of Malawi
(UNIMA). Dr. Chinsinga was summoned to the Zomba Police Station for
interrogation over the contents of one of his class lectures in which
he gave examples of reasons for popular protest taken from Egypt and
Tunisia. He was subsequently dismissed. So were Chancellor College
Academic Staff Union president, Dr. Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, her
Secretary General Franz Amin and Legal Advisor, Dr. Garton
Kamchedzera, on Wednesday 30th March 2011. Fortunately, the decision
to sack these colleagues was set aside by the Malawian courts. The
threats and dismissals of academic staff of UNIMA constitute gross
violations of academic freedom, and a violation of several sections of
the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which inter alia provides
for academic freedom.
CODESRIA is a pan-African organisation that promotes academic freedom
as an integral part of the struggle for democracy and social justice.
CODESRIA has therefore been monitoring all contradictory developments
in Africa since the beginning of this year very closely. Indeed, the
year 2011 will go down in history as a year when Africa would have
displayed both ‘the most beautiful and the ugliest of its faces’.
The “Jasmin Revolution” in Tunisia and the fall of dictatorship in
Tunisia and Egypt, as a result of the relentless popular struggles for
democracy, jobs and better living conditions, have made the promise of
democracy much more real in Africa. On the other hand, the crisis in
Cote d’Ivoire, the massacres perpetrated by the Libyan Guide Momar
Qhadafi and the bombings by NATO are reminiscent of some of the
darkest pages of Africa’s history. During the World Social Forum held
in Dakar in February this year, CODESRIA, the Third World Forum, and
ENDA Third World jointly organized eleven (11) roundtable discussions
on some of the greatest challenges facing Africa and, more generally,
the Global South, with panelists drawn from all across the South and
from Europe. The democratic revolutions unfolding in Tunisia and
Egypt, and the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire were among the issues discussed
at length. CODESRIA fights for the rights of African academics and
researchers, and for all Africans to have better living and working
conditions without any externally imposed restrictions. This means not
only decent conditions of work and an environment conducive for
research on campus, but also the freedom of research and the freedom
of academics to express their thoughts and conduct teaching and
research activities on topics of their choice. Therefore, CODESRIA
cannot remain indifferent to threats and other acts of intimidation
perpetrated against members of the academic and the larger
intellectual communities in Africa. Such silence would be contrary to
the principles of academic freedom and solidarity that CODESRIA has
been fighting for since its inception in 1973. Dr Chinsinga’s class
was infiltrated by informants hired by the Malawian state police, a
practice reminiscent of the worst days of the Kamuzu Banda
dictatorship. No modern university can properly function, let alone
develop, under close police surveillance.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of CODESRIA and
to the advancement of knowledge production in Africa and around the
world, CODESRIA has planned to hold an international colloquium in
honour of one of the greatest African scholars, the Malawi-born
Professor Thandika Mkandawire. This event, organised by CODESRIA in
collaboration with the University of Malawi and the South Africa-based
Intellectual Heritage Project, was earlier scheduled to take place in
his home country, Malawi, on 2-4 May 2011. Thankdika Mkandawire is
currently a professor at the London School of Economics, after having
spent many years as the Director of UNRISD, Geneva (1998-2009) and
Executive Secretary of CODESRIA (1985-1996). This great icon and proud
son of Africa marked his 70th Birthday Anniversary last October. For
such a remarkable friend, inspiring leader and vigorous interlocutor
for so many people, one who ‘shared in our tribulations and triumphs’
(to use the late Archie Mafeje’s phrase), the occasion is not merely
an anniversary of the birthday of an individual ; it is an opportunity
us to celebrate a community that is as global as it is African. His
70th birthday is a milestone that we would like to turn into a
collective celebration of a life : that of someone who has been a
veritable gift to us, both as individuals and as a community.
There is no better place to hold such a colloquium in celebration of
the life and works of Professor Mkandawire than Malawi. There is also
no better institutional partner with which CODESRIA can organise this
colloquium than the University of Malawi. However, the recent gross
violations of academic freedom at the University of Malawi has made it
necessary for us to postpone this historic occasion, until such a time
when our Malawian colleagues feel less threatened in the exercise of
their rights as scholars and the enjoyment of the freedom of research
and expression, without fear of being persecuted because of their
ideas.
Furthermore, CODESRIA and the entire community of African social
researchers would like to appeal to the Government of Malawi to take
urgent steps to reinstate the academic staff of UNIMA who have been
dismissed, ensure that academic freedom is respected and guaranteed,
in compliance with the Constitution of Malawi, and respond positively
to the demand of the Chancellor College Academic Staff to assure them
in writing that no such actions shall be repeated by any official
authority, or agent connected with the Police. We hope the Council of
the University of Malawi would also refrain from practices that make
the academic staff of the university feel insecure.
Lastly, CODESRIA wishes to assure our Malawian colleagues of our
solidarity with them in their struggle to make UNIMA a thriving centre
of excellence in teaching, research, knowledge production and
dissemination that can contribute immensely to the development of
Malawi and the African continent.
Thandika Mkandawire
One of the African countries where the democratic revolutions in
Tunisia and Egypt have both galvanized the social movements for the
deepening of democracy and provoked authoritarian, knee-jack reactions
from the state and university authorities is Malawi. The Council for
the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and
indeed the entire African intellectual community, have closely been
following events in Malawi, where threats, intimidation and dismissal
of academic staff members of the University of Malawi, are becoming
too frequent. One recent victim of these intolerable treatments is Dr.
Blessing Chinsinga, Associate Professor in the Department of Political
and Administrative Studies at Chancellor College, University of Malawi
(UNIMA). Dr. Chinsinga was summoned to the Zomba Police Station for
interrogation over the contents of one of his class lectures in which
he gave examples of reasons for popular protest taken from Egypt and
Tunisia. He was subsequently dismissed. So were Chancellor College
Academic Staff Union president, Dr. Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, her
Secretary General Franz Amin and Legal Advisor, Dr. Garton
Kamchedzera, on Wednesday 30th March 2011. Fortunately, the decision
to sack these colleagues was set aside by the Malawian courts. The
threats and dismissals of academic staff of UNIMA constitute gross
violations of academic freedom, and a violation of several sections of
the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which inter alia provides
for academic freedom.
CODESRIA is a pan-African organisation that promotes academic freedom
as an integral part of the struggle for democracy and social justice.
CODESRIA has therefore been monitoring all contradictory developments
in Africa since the beginning of this year very closely. Indeed, the
year 2011 will go down in history as a year when Africa would have
displayed both ‘the most beautiful and the ugliest of its faces’.
The “Jasmin Revolution” in Tunisia and the fall of dictatorship in
Tunisia and Egypt, as a result of the relentless popular struggles for
democracy, jobs and better living conditions, have made the promise of
democracy much more real in Africa. On the other hand, the crisis in
Cote d’Ivoire, the massacres perpetrated by the Libyan Guide Momar
Qhadafi and the bombings by NATO are reminiscent of some of the
darkest pages of Africa’s history. During the World Social Forum held
in Dakar in February this year, CODESRIA, the Third World Forum, and
ENDA Third World jointly organized eleven (11) roundtable discussions
on some of the greatest challenges facing Africa and, more generally,
the Global South, with panelists drawn from all across the South and
from Europe. The democratic revolutions unfolding in Tunisia and
Egypt, and the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire were among the issues discussed
at length. CODESRIA fights for the rights of African academics and
researchers, and for all Africans to have better living and working
conditions without any externally imposed restrictions. This means not
only decent conditions of work and an environment conducive for
research on campus, but also the freedom of research and the freedom
of academics to express their thoughts and conduct teaching and
research activities on topics of their choice. Therefore, CODESRIA
cannot remain indifferent to threats and other acts of intimidation
perpetrated against members of the academic and the larger
intellectual communities in Africa. Such silence would be contrary to
the principles of academic freedom and solidarity that CODESRIA has
been fighting for since its inception in 1973. Dr Chinsinga’s class
was infiltrated by informants hired by the Malawian state police, a
practice reminiscent of the worst days of the Kamuzu Banda
dictatorship. No modern university can properly function, let alone
develop, under close police surveillance.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of CODESRIA and
to the advancement of knowledge production in Africa and around the
world, CODESRIA has planned to hold an international colloquium in
honour of one of the greatest African scholars, the Malawi-born
Professor Thandika Mkandawire. This event, organised by CODESRIA in
collaboration with the University of Malawi and the South Africa-based
Intellectual Heritage Project, was earlier scheduled to take place in
his home country, Malawi, on 2-4 May 2011. Thankdika Mkandawire is
currently a professor at the London School of Economics, after having
spent many years as the Director of UNRISD, Geneva (1998-2009) and
Executive Secretary of CODESRIA (1985-1996). This great icon and proud
son of Africa marked his 70th Birthday Anniversary last October. For
such a remarkable friend, inspiring leader and vigorous interlocutor
for so many people, one who ‘shared in our tribulations and triumphs’
(to use the late Archie Mafeje’s phrase), the occasion is not merely
an anniversary of the birthday of an individual ; it is an opportunity
us to celebrate a community that is as global as it is African. His
70th birthday is a milestone that we would like to turn into a
collective celebration of a life : that of someone who has been a
veritable gift to us, both as individuals and as a community.
There is no better place to hold such a colloquium in celebration of
the life and works of Professor Mkandawire than Malawi. There is also
no better institutional partner with which CODESRIA can organise this
colloquium than the University of Malawi. However, the recent gross
violations of academic freedom at the University of Malawi has made it
necessary for us to postpone this historic occasion, until such a time
when our Malawian colleagues feel less threatened in the exercise of
their rights as scholars and the enjoyment of the freedom of research
and expression, without fear of being persecuted because of their
ideas.
Furthermore, CODESRIA and the entire community of African social
researchers would like to appeal to the Government of Malawi to take
urgent steps to reinstate the academic staff of UNIMA who have been
dismissed, ensure that academic freedom is respected and guaranteed,
in compliance with the Constitution of Malawi, and respond positively
to the demand of the Chancellor College Academic Staff to assure them
in writing that no such actions shall be repeated by any official
authority, or agent connected with the Police. We hope the Council of
the University of Malawi would also refrain from practices that make
the academic staff of the university feel insecure.
Lastly, CODESRIA wishes to assure our Malawian colleagues of our
solidarity with them in their struggle to make UNIMA a thriving centre
of excellence in teaching, research, knowledge production and
dissemination that can contribute immensely to the development of
Malawi and the African continent.
A Communiqué on Resolutions of the Second Session of Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament
We honorable members of parliament from Chikhwawa met on Saturday, April 2011, at Makande TDC in Ngabu where the session was headed by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Andrew Artson with funding from World Vision International, Malawi Economic Justice Network with technical assistance from the district council.
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
During our deliberations we discussed the following issues that are having big impacts on our lives and therefore we would like government and the District Council to take into consideration during this year’s budget formulation. We, as well, hope NGOs and other stakeholders would also take the issues up as they are working in the district.
The problems have been divided into four priorities; Education, Food Security, Health, and Water and Sanitation.
Education.
We would like for government to implement a program in the district that will educate the parents, and even the girl child herself, on the importance of education, as they are a lot of girls currently being forced into early marriages.
Secondly we would like to commend government for implementing the school feeding program in our district. However, we would like to ask for more schools so as to accommodate the growing number of pupils being enrolled in our schools now.
Moreover, most of the schools in the district are in very dilapidated old buildings so much so that that it is very scaring to be learning in these building. As such we would like for government to rehabilitate these schools so that we will have learner friendly classrooms.
In addition to these, most of the schools do not have teacher’s houses. Therefore we would like government to build more teachers’ houses so that we learn without any disruptions.
Not only that most of the schools especially secondary schools are lacking learning materials such as text books, apparatus and chemicals for subjects that need experiments. Hence we would like government to ensure that secondary schools in the district have adequate resources at all times.
To add on to that, Chikhwawa is one of the districts that have been hit hard by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, where a lot of them are depending. Therefore we would like to ask government to put in place measures that will ensure that it runs smoothly and more children paid for.
Last, but not the least, we have discovered that a lot of schools are very far from villages and this makes pupils travel long distances to access education. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. It will be noticed that a lot of children here in the district, especially in very rural areas, start school at a very late stage as such they are usually unable to finish school.
Therefore we would like government to assist us in such areas with junior primary schools so that children will start learning at an early age in their own communities.
Food Security.
Every year Chikhwawa is hit by drought and erratic rains. This usually has a big impact on children mostly than adults. As such we would like government first to continue with the farm input subsidy program that’s underway. In addition to the farm inputs, however we would like to ask government to help farmers in the district to provide them with chemicals to preserve the food stuff such as actelic.
Last but not least, we would also like to ask government to construct irrigation canals since we already have plenty of water bodies in the district, so that even in dry season people will still cultivate crops.
Water and Sanitation
Almost every year the district usually is hit by water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea as the district does not have sufficient sources of potable water such as boreholes. Therefore we would like government to construct enough boreholes, and repair those that are not in good condition.
There are also big problems that are being created between schools and surrounding communities. This is so bas some communities do share boreholes with the school children as it is the only water source near them. This usually results in commotions that lead to strives between the schools and communities. Therefore we would like to ask government to construct more water facilities in these communities so that we are able to learn in our schools without any problems with the communities.
Last but not least, girls in our constituencies are at times dropping out of school due to lack of toilets in schools. This is so as it becomes very difficult for a girl who is older to relieve herself in bushes that usually she just drops out of school.
Therefore to ensure that Chikhwawa is able to maintain a high percentage of girls in our schools, we would like government to construct toilets in schools, as this problem is being experienced in almost all the schools in the district.
Health
Chikhwawa is one of the districts that do not have adequate health facilities. This problem is very acute in rural areas, that whenever a child falls sick, parents or guardians have to travel very long distances to send them to hospital.
Apart from that most of the schools do not have first aid facilities for emergencies. As a result, when a child falls sick in school he or she has to wait until he/she reaches home to get medical attention. Therefore we would like to appeal to government to provide necessary first aid materials for schools, and build dispensaries or health post in our rural areas so that we can access medical attention there and then.
Finally, we have also realized that there is a very big shortage of health personnel in our hospitals; therefore we would like to ask government to employ more of them and of course build houses for them so that when they are transferred to these areas they will not have accommodation problems.
Rt. Hon Andrew Artson, (Speaker Chikhwawa Children’s Parliament)
Boss of GoDaddy pays Zim regime to kill for fun
PETA calls for boycott of GoDaddy.com
London, UK - 11 April 2011
Bob Parsons, CEO of internet domain-name registrar GoDaddy.com, recently spent a small fortune to slaughter an endangered elephant and leopard in Zimbabwe. Contrary to his claims, the elephant he killed was a female, not a bull on the attack: http://tiny.cc/2ovw9
"Zimbabwe is a country led by a regime well-known for its persecution of its citizens, including democracy activists, students, human rights defenders and LGBT people. Thousands of Zimbabweans have been jailed, tortured, maimed and killed. Less well known is the regime's ruthless exploitation of its magnificent wildlife and its commercialisation of trophy hunting for sport," said human rights and animal rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
"Cruelty is barbarism, whether it is inflicted on humans or on other species. The campaigns for animal rights and human rights share the same fundamental aim: a world without suffering, based on compassion and care. In a gentle, kind world, there is no place for racism, misogyny, homophobia or the abuse of animals.
"In protest at Bob Parson's killing spree, I am taking steps to switch my internet host from GoDaddy.com. So, too, are my colleagues at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): http://tiny.cc/umyam
"The UK-based web design firm Sonet Digital Ltd has also dumped GoDaddy. I hope many others will do the same.
"I urge you to ask your friends, and the firms that you do business with, to cut their links with GoDaddy.com.
"Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe-whose bigoted, tyrannical regime has been defined by kidnappings, beatings, rapes and murders-has been called one of the ten worst dictators in the world by Parade magazine. His reign of terror against his own people has been condemned and international sanctions imposed. Yet Parsons tacitly supported this regime financially thought the hefty fees he paid for permits to kill endangered species. Parsons not only defended his kill, he posted a sickening graphic video of the bloody outcome online: http://tinyurl.com/4nck8st
"The Zimbabwean government's disregard for the human rights of its own citizens extends to the abuse of its rich treasure of wildlife. Instead of protecting these beautiful, majestic African animals, Mugabe's officials allow wealthy western 'trophy' hunters to maim and kill in exchange for permit fees.
"Elephants are highly social, intelligent animals who are capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including joy, anger, grief, and sympathy. They live in matriarchal herds, working together and comforting and protecting each other. Male offspring stay with their mothers for up to 15 years, and females for their entire lives. Killing an elephant can rip apart an elephant family. The fear, panic, and distress caused by the killing leaves the survivors emotionally scarred. Death screams can be heard by other elephants miles away.
"I hope that everyone who is outraged by Bob Parson's 'killing for fun' will terminate their links with GoDaddy.com. A person who kills an elephant and a leopard for kicks and pleasure doesn't deserve our business," said Mr Tatchell.
London, UK - 11 April 2011
Bob Parsons, CEO of internet domain-name registrar GoDaddy.com, recently spent a small fortune to slaughter an endangered elephant and leopard in Zimbabwe. Contrary to his claims, the elephant he killed was a female, not a bull on the attack: http://tiny.cc/2ovw9
"Zimbabwe is a country led by a regime well-known for its persecution of its citizens, including democracy activists, students, human rights defenders and LGBT people. Thousands of Zimbabweans have been jailed, tortured, maimed and killed. Less well known is the regime's ruthless exploitation of its magnificent wildlife and its commercialisation of trophy hunting for sport," said human rights and animal rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
"Cruelty is barbarism, whether it is inflicted on humans or on other species. The campaigns for animal rights and human rights share the same fundamental aim: a world without suffering, based on compassion and care. In a gentle, kind world, there is no place for racism, misogyny, homophobia or the abuse of animals.
"In protest at Bob Parson's killing spree, I am taking steps to switch my internet host from GoDaddy.com. So, too, are my colleagues at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): http://tiny.cc/umyam
"The UK-based web design firm Sonet Digital Ltd has also dumped GoDaddy. I hope many others will do the same.
"I urge you to ask your friends, and the firms that you do business with, to cut their links with GoDaddy.com.
"Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe-whose bigoted, tyrannical regime has been defined by kidnappings, beatings, rapes and murders-has been called one of the ten worst dictators in the world by Parade magazine. His reign of terror against his own people has been condemned and international sanctions imposed. Yet Parsons tacitly supported this regime financially thought the hefty fees he paid for permits to kill endangered species. Parsons not only defended his kill, he posted a sickening graphic video of the bloody outcome online: http://tinyurl.com/4nck8st
"The Zimbabwean government's disregard for the human rights of its own citizens extends to the abuse of its rich treasure of wildlife. Instead of protecting these beautiful, majestic African animals, Mugabe's officials allow wealthy western 'trophy' hunters to maim and kill in exchange for permit fees.
"Elephants are highly social, intelligent animals who are capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including joy, anger, grief, and sympathy. They live in matriarchal herds, working together and comforting and protecting each other. Male offspring stay with their mothers for up to 15 years, and females for their entire lives. Killing an elephant can rip apart an elephant family. The fear, panic, and distress caused by the killing leaves the survivors emotionally scarred. Death screams can be heard by other elephants miles away.
"I hope that everyone who is outraged by Bob Parson's 'killing for fun' will terminate their links with GoDaddy.com. A person who kills an elephant and a leopard for kicks and pleasure doesn't deserve our business," said Mr Tatchell.
Why threaten the lives of Dr. Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, Chancellor College Academic Staff Union Acting President and Dorothy Ngoma, National Association of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi Executive Director? We need an answer from the powers-that-be on this, knowing that these unfortunate incidents are happening after President Bingu wa Mutharika told his Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) followers to deal with his critics. Dr. Kabwila-Kapasula no longer sleeps at her home in Zomba. Ngoma is in hiding, fearing for her life. Kabwila-Kapasula is being targeted simply because she seats at the head of Chanco academic staff. But issues she presents are not her own (issues), they are facts of representation. So, too, Ngoma: she is fighting for fairness and respect for human rights. Her involvement with the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC)- which Mutharika's government claims is illegal because of its failure to register with the Council for Non-governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA)- is not a criminal offense. After all, we all have a stake in Malawi. President Mutharika, and DPP's spokesperson, Dr. Hetherwick is not doing any good to the situation by asking the affected women to identify the 'thugs' earmarked to harm them. This is unbelievable. By the time you identify the face of the thugs, they might already have deposited the 'forward' of a knife into, and through, your stomach. Remember, remember the saying: The dead give no evidence (wakufa sapereka umboni), though they (the dead) may leave traces of evidence (read,forensic evidence).This intimidation must stop. It all started with threats on Undule Mwakasungula's life. Why should people be afraid in their own land? By the way, Ntaba also said the other day (last week): "Those who feel that Malawi does not respect human rights are free to leave the country."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Congratulation Go To Malawi's Immigration Department for A Job Well-Done
Zachimalawi wishes to thank officials at the Immigration Headquarters in Blantyre, and Central Region office in Lilongwe, for a job well-done.
Malawians are happy that you people are keeping your promise on effective, efficient service delivery.
It all started last year when the Malawi Government announced that it was phasing out the old passport because it was heavily-tempered with by Nigerians and other nationalities.
At first, Malawians did not rush to Immigration Department offices as they felt that K15, 000 (up from K8,000) was far beyond the reach of the ordinary Malawian for just 'one' passport.
Then, citizens realised that the Bingu wa Mutharika administration was not joking; it was serious business.
So, people started flocking to Immigration Department offices; what with Authorised Dealer Banks announcement that they would no longer accept the phased-out passport as a legal document.
The Immigration offices were full of people; that officials introduced shifts for the first time.
This has worked; people are very happy.
I applied for a passport, paid K15,000 because I was ready to wait for it for a month.
Guess what? Before the end of 30 days, my passport was out.
I saw my name on the Immigration Department's Notice Board.
I was happy.
So were many people.
You people are making us proud.
This government is doing a good job, after all.
Congratulations the Chief Immigrations Officer; congrats President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Malawians are proud of you.
You really deliver.
On behalf of the ordinary Malawian, Zachimalawi says 'Thank you'!
Malawians are happy that you people are keeping your promise on effective, efficient service delivery.
It all started last year when the Malawi Government announced that it was phasing out the old passport because it was heavily-tempered with by Nigerians and other nationalities.
At first, Malawians did not rush to Immigration Department offices as they felt that K15, 000 (up from K8,000) was far beyond the reach of the ordinary Malawian for just 'one' passport.
Then, citizens realised that the Bingu wa Mutharika administration was not joking; it was serious business.
So, people started flocking to Immigration Department offices; what with Authorised Dealer Banks announcement that they would no longer accept the phased-out passport as a legal document.
The Immigration offices were full of people; that officials introduced shifts for the first time.
This has worked; people are very happy.
I applied for a passport, paid K15,000 because I was ready to wait for it for a month.
Guess what? Before the end of 30 days, my passport was out.
I saw my name on the Immigration Department's Notice Board.
I was happy.
So were many people.
You people are making us proud.
This government is doing a good job, after all.
Congratulations the Chief Immigrations Officer; congrats President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Malawians are proud of you.
You really deliver.
On behalf of the ordinary Malawian, Zachimalawi says 'Thank you'!
How Strong is the Malawi Civil Service, Plus Ghost Government Workers
The Malawi Civil Service is 169, 000 strong.
However, Information and Civic Education Minister, Symon Vuwa-Kaunda, feels that this figure is riddled with ghost workers.
In all, fhost workers cost the Malawi Government in excess of K2 billion.
Secretary to the Treasure, Joseph Mwanamveka, is attempting to stop all this day-light robbery.
Instead of being praised, he has received strong opposition.
Kaunda feels that the opposers- including the Civil Service Trade Union) has been benefitting from ghost workers' pay.
However, let it be said, also, that civil servants are not happy with delays- for some, two months' salary delays- to receive their pay.
One civil servant- who last month had decorated his office with Democratic Progressive Party colours (blue)- has removed all ruling party symbols at the Southern Region Government Head Offices.
"I am very angry. If Mwanamveka is behind all this mess, then, he has cost President Bingu wa Mutharika votes," said the irate civil servant.
He was happy yesterday, howver, when two of his friends gave him K250.
The past two months, he has been busy begging cash from friends.
All this because of a good system gone bad. Gone bad because it was hastly implemented.
However, Information and Civic Education Minister, Symon Vuwa-Kaunda, feels that this figure is riddled with ghost workers.
In all, fhost workers cost the Malawi Government in excess of K2 billion.
Secretary to the Treasure, Joseph Mwanamveka, is attempting to stop all this day-light robbery.
Instead of being praised, he has received strong opposition.
Kaunda feels that the opposers- including the Civil Service Trade Union) has been benefitting from ghost workers' pay.
However, let it be said, also, that civil servants are not happy with delays- for some, two months' salary delays- to receive their pay.
One civil servant- who last month had decorated his office with Democratic Progressive Party colours (blue)- has removed all ruling party symbols at the Southern Region Government Head Offices.
"I am very angry. If Mwanamveka is behind all this mess, then, he has cost President Bingu wa Mutharika votes," said the irate civil servant.
He was happy yesterday, howver, when two of his friends gave him K250.
The past two months, he has been busy begging cash from friends.
All this because of a good system gone bad. Gone bad because it was hastly implemented.
Zachimalawi Offers Solution to Malawi's Petrol Woes
The only sure way to have Petrol all the time is to call your sons, daughters, pets, trees, lakes, rivers, among other things, 'Petrol'.
Since they (sons, daughters, pets, trees, lakes, rivers, among other things) are always there for you (always with you), you will never run out of Petrol!
This is a solution discovered before its actual time; in was revealed in yesterday's dream!
Since they (sons, daughters, pets, trees, lakes, rivers, among other things) are always there for you (always with you), you will never run out of Petrol!
This is a solution discovered before its actual time; in was revealed in yesterday's dream!
Thanks Botswana's M'megi Online Publication for Pumping Sense Into Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika
M'medi is feeling for Malawians. This, more than anything else, is clear in the Online publication's editorial today.
Over to you, M'megi: What are you saying?
Editorial
'megi Online, Botswana
Wake up wa Mutharika!
Mr President you are leading a very worried nation. For a while now the good people of Malawi have been complaining about the way you are running government and your apparent lack of respect for them. These are the people who voted for you, not once, but twice.
They had hoped that you would remain good to your campaign promises and reinforce the very African tenets of Ubuntu - human rights and democracy. When any national leader suppresses these he is essentially taking away the people's right to life. From reports coming out of Malawi, it is clear that you have lost sight of why you became president. We are hearing that you do not take kindly to constructive criticism. You have also become indignant and disrespectful of your people and recently you said you do not understand them. You believe the international community appreciates your 'good works' better than Malawians. No leader can afford to question the intelligence of his people. You are not president of the international community but of Malawi. Your people cannot just take to hating you, as you appear to imagine. Certainly the wisdom of one man cannot be greater than that of millions of his countrymen and women.
All that the people of Malawi are asking for is for you Mr President to be open to criticism. They want you to listen when they talk about issues of governance, democracy and human rights. They want you to introspect. This is what the international community also wants you to do. It is not too late to make amends and bring Malawi out of the stagnant economic abyss that it finds itself in.
Mr president there is no doubt that your government is violating human rights. As a newspaper we are also worried by your apparent disdain for the press. The media, it cannot be gainsaid, provides much needed checks and balances. It is clear, however, from your government's refusal to repeal the notorious Section 46 of your country's constitution, which empowers a minister to ban a local publication, that your government is bent on stifling press freedom.
Mr president it is most outrageous of you to say that demonstrations are a privilege and that you want demonstrators to pay between K2.5 million to K5 million (P108,300-P542,000) to stage a demonstration. From what is happening in the Arab world, you know what happens to leaders who repress the human soul. Finally we call on you Mr president to respect the rule of law. The wanton disregard for court orders by your regime is proof that you have derailed in a big way. It is time for you to introspect and go back to the people of Malawi with a view to making amends. Our brothers and sisters in Malawi and SADC cannot afford to have a failed state and it is upon you to ensure that they will not.
Today's thought
"The seed of revolution is repression."
-Woodrow Wilson
Here ends the Editorial from our Good Friends in Botswana. Now, Zachimalawi asks, is Malawi's President, Bingu wa Mutharika, 'sleeping' to now 'wake up...'?
Africa says so.
Over to you, M'megi: What are you saying?
Editorial
'megi Online, Botswana
Wake up wa Mutharika!
Mr President you are leading a very worried nation. For a while now the good people of Malawi have been complaining about the way you are running government and your apparent lack of respect for them. These are the people who voted for you, not once, but twice.
They had hoped that you would remain good to your campaign promises and reinforce the very African tenets of Ubuntu - human rights and democracy. When any national leader suppresses these he is essentially taking away the people's right to life. From reports coming out of Malawi, it is clear that you have lost sight of why you became president. We are hearing that you do not take kindly to constructive criticism. You have also become indignant and disrespectful of your people and recently you said you do not understand them. You believe the international community appreciates your 'good works' better than Malawians. No leader can afford to question the intelligence of his people. You are not president of the international community but of Malawi. Your people cannot just take to hating you, as you appear to imagine. Certainly the wisdom of one man cannot be greater than that of millions of his countrymen and women.
All that the people of Malawi are asking for is for you Mr President to be open to criticism. They want you to listen when they talk about issues of governance, democracy and human rights. They want you to introspect. This is what the international community also wants you to do. It is not too late to make amends and bring Malawi out of the stagnant economic abyss that it finds itself in.
Mr president there is no doubt that your government is violating human rights. As a newspaper we are also worried by your apparent disdain for the press. The media, it cannot be gainsaid, provides much needed checks and balances. It is clear, however, from your government's refusal to repeal the notorious Section 46 of your country's constitution, which empowers a minister to ban a local publication, that your government is bent on stifling press freedom.
Mr president it is most outrageous of you to say that demonstrations are a privilege and that you want demonstrators to pay between K2.5 million to K5 million (P108,300-P542,000) to stage a demonstration. From what is happening in the Arab world, you know what happens to leaders who repress the human soul. Finally we call on you Mr president to respect the rule of law. The wanton disregard for court orders by your regime is proof that you have derailed in a big way. It is time for you to introspect and go back to the people of Malawi with a view to making amends. Our brothers and sisters in Malawi and SADC cannot afford to have a failed state and it is upon you to ensure that they will not.
Today's thought
"The seed of revolution is repression."
-Woodrow Wilson
Here ends the Editorial from our Good Friends in Botswana. Now, Zachimalawi asks, is Malawi's President, Bingu wa Mutharika, 'sleeping' to now 'wake up...'?
Africa says so.
Bulletin of the Oppression of Women and Children March 7 - April 6, 2011
March 7, 2011 - April 6, 2011
March 7, 2011
Saudi Arabia
A Saudi columnist criticizes the phenomenon of 'pleasure marriages'.
Europe
'Virginity surgery' is on the rise across Europe.
March 10, 2011
Saudi Arabia (hat tip to InfidelsAreCool)
Suicides among well-off adolescents double.
March 11, 2011
Tunisia
Muslim women want photos with veil on documents.
Pakistan (hat tip to InfidelsAreCool)
A well-known Pakistani actress said she had received death threats from militants after appearing on the Indian equivalent of hit reality television show "Big Brother."
March 13, 2011
Afghanistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
Al-Qaeda has launched a women's magazine that mixes beauty and fashion tips with advice on suicide bombings.
March 17, 2011
US
Forced marriages in the US.
UK (hat tip to GatesofVienna)
A 15-year-old hitman shot a young mother in a contract killing over the custody of her nine-year-old son.
UK
A former hospital director in Britain has been convicted of trafficking a woman from Tanzania and using her as a "slave."
March 18, 2011
Middle East
Muslim divorce court orders woman to return to her husband and obey him.
Germany
The German parliament approved a law on Thursday which calls for up to five years in prison for anyone forcing a girl or woman into marriage.
March 20, 2011
UK
Shanna Bukhari was subjected to a tide of online hate after entering the British heats of the beauty contest. Now she fears her life could be in danger.
March 21, 2011
Africa
The recruitment of child soldiers is on the rise in Somalia.
March 22, 2011
Spain
A minor who was forced to wed is freed by agents.
March 23, 2011
Sweden
A man in Sweden has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilt of murdering his daughter in a so-called honor killing.
UK
Another 'Asian' sexual assault of a teen girl.
March 24, 2011
Lebanon (Hat tip to TheOpinionator)
Slaughter and abuse of maids in Lebanon prompts Madagascar to fly women home.
March 25, 2011
Egypt
Egyptian women protesters forced to take 'virginity tests'.
Africa
Nine child soldiers defect from a rebel group.
Bangladesh
Government tries to push women's rights for a third time but Islamists object.
March 27, 2011
UAE
A woman spent eight months in a United Arab Emirates jail for adultery after complaining to police about being drugged and raped by co-workers.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi women are barred from voting in municipal elections.
March 28, 2011
Libya
The Libyan government says a woman who stormed into a Tripoli hotel on Saturday to tell foreign reporters that government troops raped her is now with her family. More HERE.
Pakistan
Muslim women have been banned from traveling more than 48 miles from their homes without being chaperoned by a male relative.
Somalia
A Somali pirate offers to release Danish family in exchange for hand of daughter, 13.
Iraq
Gunmen kill six women, one man in Iraq.
March 30, 2011
UAE
An Australian woman is suing a five-star UAE hotel after she was drugged and raped by co-workers - but ended up in jail for eight months for having sex outside marriage.
March 31, 2011
US
In an effort to get closer to the local population, American female soldiers stationed in Afghanistan are being encouraged to wear a Muslim headscarf when interacting with civilians.
Pakistan
A Pakistani actress defies the mullah accusing her of immoral behavior.
Yemen (hat tip to JihadWatch)
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has declared Yemen's Abyan province an "Islamic Emirate" and banned women from going outside.
April 1, 2011
Bangladesh
A 14 old Muslim girl is raped, charged with adultery, and whipped to death.
UK
A woman and her daughter were stabbed to death.
Gaza Strip
Mainstream media ignores male-on-female atrocity in Gaza.
April 2, 2011
UK
A Muslim teacher who sexually abused a 12-year-old girl during religious lessons has been jailed and banned from teaching children.
Afghanistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A girls' school is burned down as part of jihad against Koran burning.
April 6, 2011
Bangladesh
Dozens of people were injured in Bangladesh as riot police clashed with thousands of Islamists protesting women's rights, authorities and witnesses said. The protesters damaged buses and cars Monday, setting several on fire, while police used clubs and tear gas to disperse the Islamists, who were wearing skullcaps and burial cloths. "We'll die for the cause of Islam, but (will) not allow the government to disrespect (the) Quran," one protester shouted during the demonstration near the national mosque in downtown Dhaka. The government recently announced its National Women Development Policy 2011, which ensures women expanded rights in property and education. The protesters said the policy is against the Quran.
March 7, 2011
Saudi Arabia
A Saudi columnist criticizes the phenomenon of 'pleasure marriages'.
Europe
'Virginity surgery' is on the rise across Europe.
March 10, 2011
Saudi Arabia (hat tip to InfidelsAreCool)
Suicides among well-off adolescents double.
March 11, 2011
Tunisia
Muslim women want photos with veil on documents.
Pakistan (hat tip to InfidelsAreCool)
A well-known Pakistani actress said she had received death threats from militants after appearing on the Indian equivalent of hit reality television show "Big Brother."
March 13, 2011
Afghanistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
Al-Qaeda has launched a women's magazine that mixes beauty and fashion tips with advice on suicide bombings.
March 17, 2011
US
Forced marriages in the US.
UK (hat tip to GatesofVienna)
A 15-year-old hitman shot a young mother in a contract killing over the custody of her nine-year-old son.
UK
A former hospital director in Britain has been convicted of trafficking a woman from Tanzania and using her as a "slave."
March 18, 2011
Middle East
Muslim divorce court orders woman to return to her husband and obey him.
Germany
The German parliament approved a law on Thursday which calls for up to five years in prison for anyone forcing a girl or woman into marriage.
March 20, 2011
UK
Shanna Bukhari was subjected to a tide of online hate after entering the British heats of the beauty contest. Now she fears her life could be in danger.
March 21, 2011
Africa
The recruitment of child soldiers is on the rise in Somalia.
March 22, 2011
Spain
A minor who was forced to wed is freed by agents.
March 23, 2011
Sweden
A man in Sweden has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilt of murdering his daughter in a so-called honor killing.
UK
Another 'Asian' sexual assault of a teen girl.
March 24, 2011
Lebanon (Hat tip to TheOpinionator)
Slaughter and abuse of maids in Lebanon prompts Madagascar to fly women home.
March 25, 2011
Egypt
Egyptian women protesters forced to take 'virginity tests'.
Africa
Nine child soldiers defect from a rebel group.
Bangladesh
Government tries to push women's rights for a third time but Islamists object.
March 27, 2011
UAE
A woman spent eight months in a United Arab Emirates jail for adultery after complaining to police about being drugged and raped by co-workers.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi women are barred from voting in municipal elections.
March 28, 2011
Libya
The Libyan government says a woman who stormed into a Tripoli hotel on Saturday to tell foreign reporters that government troops raped her is now with her family. More HERE.
Pakistan
Muslim women have been banned from traveling more than 48 miles from their homes without being chaperoned by a male relative.
Somalia
A Somali pirate offers to release Danish family in exchange for hand of daughter, 13.
Iraq
Gunmen kill six women, one man in Iraq.
March 30, 2011
UAE
An Australian woman is suing a five-star UAE hotel after she was drugged and raped by co-workers - but ended up in jail for eight months for having sex outside marriage.
March 31, 2011
US
In an effort to get closer to the local population, American female soldiers stationed in Afghanistan are being encouraged to wear a Muslim headscarf when interacting with civilians.
Pakistan
A Pakistani actress defies the mullah accusing her of immoral behavior.
Yemen (hat tip to JihadWatch)
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has declared Yemen's Abyan province an "Islamic Emirate" and banned women from going outside.
April 1, 2011
Bangladesh
A 14 old Muslim girl is raped, charged with adultery, and whipped to death.
UK
A woman and her daughter were stabbed to death.
Gaza Strip
Mainstream media ignores male-on-female atrocity in Gaza.
April 2, 2011
UK
A Muslim teacher who sexually abused a 12-year-old girl during religious lessons has been jailed and banned from teaching children.
Afghanistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A girls' school is burned down as part of jihad against Koran burning.
April 6, 2011
Bangladesh
Dozens of people were injured in Bangladesh as riot police clashed with thousands of Islamists protesting women's rights, authorities and witnesses said. The protesters damaged buses and cars Monday, setting several on fire, while police used clubs and tear gas to disperse the Islamists, who were wearing skullcaps and burial cloths. "We'll die for the cause of Islam, but (will) not allow the government to disrespect (the) Quran," one protester shouted during the demonstration near the national mosque in downtown Dhaka. The government recently announced its National Women Development Policy 2011, which ensures women expanded rights in property and education. The protesters said the policy is against the Quran.
'Gay Gandhi' book banned in India
But Gandhi's great grandson opposes censorship
London, UK - 7 April 2011
The Indian state of Gujarat has banned a new book about Mohandas 'Mahatma' Gandhi in protest against its revelation that the Indian independence leader left his wife to live with a man.
In a similar direct threat to freedom of speech and freedom of the press, there are calls to ban the biography in other states and throughout India.
Commendably, some of Gandhi's descendents have opposed such censorship, calling for free and open debate: http://tinyurl.com/4t62fu6
Gandhi's great grandson, Tushar Gandhi, responded to the Gujarat ban with the comment: "How does it matter if the Mahatma was straight, gay or bisexual? Every time he would still be the man who led India to freedom."
The book - Great Soul - is broadly pro-Gandhi, although not uncritical or sycophantic. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former executive editor of the New Times, Joseph Lelyveld, it reveals Gandhi's love for the German-Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach, when he lived in South Africa in the early years of the 20th century. They shared a home together and worked together politically on the non-violent resistance struggle in South Africa.
The evidence of Gandhi's relationship with Kallenbach comes from letters between them, including Gandhi's profession of love for Kallenbach.
"Your portrait (the only one) stands on my mantelpiece in my bedroom," he wrote to Kallenbach. "The mantelpiece is opposite to the bed."
Gandhi added: "How completely you have taken possession of my body. This is slavery with a vengeance." Gandhi asked Hermann promise not to "look lustfully upon any woman." The two men pledged "more love, and yet more love....(such as) the world has not yet seen."
For more information, see paragraph 11 of this book review by the historian Andrew Roberts, published in the Wall Street Journal: http://tiny.cc/1mtgf
"Critics of the book condemn the author for revealing that Gandhi loved a man. They say this is insulting to his memory and offensive to the whole Indian nation. What nonsense. His sexuality does not diminish his political achievements or his character one iota. Only a homophobe would take offence at the evidence that Gandhi had a same-sex relationship," said Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner and Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
"I speak as someone for whom Gandhi has been a great political inspiration. He wasn't a saint but he was a very great man. Despite his faults and flaws, he played a leading role in securing Indian independence, forcing out the greatest colonial power in history - the mighty British Empire - by entirely non-violent resistance. Defeating the British and securing Indian independence by peaceful mass protest was a truly remarkable feat, which far outweighs his shortcomings.
"Freedom of expression, including the right to express ideas that others may find offensive, is a fundamental human right. Bans diminish open debate and critical inquiry. It is the job of historians and biographers to search for the truth and publish what they find without fear or favour. Censorship is a sign of weakness and a threat to democracy," added Mr Tatchell.
London, UK - 7 April 2011
The Indian state of Gujarat has banned a new book about Mohandas 'Mahatma' Gandhi in protest against its revelation that the Indian independence leader left his wife to live with a man.
In a similar direct threat to freedom of speech and freedom of the press, there are calls to ban the biography in other states and throughout India.
Commendably, some of Gandhi's descendents have opposed such censorship, calling for free and open debate: http://tinyurl.com/4t62fu6
Gandhi's great grandson, Tushar Gandhi, responded to the Gujarat ban with the comment: "How does it matter if the Mahatma was straight, gay or bisexual? Every time he would still be the man who led India to freedom."
The book - Great Soul - is broadly pro-Gandhi, although not uncritical or sycophantic. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former executive editor of the New Times, Joseph Lelyveld, it reveals Gandhi's love for the German-Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach, when he lived in South Africa in the early years of the 20th century. They shared a home together and worked together politically on the non-violent resistance struggle in South Africa.
The evidence of Gandhi's relationship with Kallenbach comes from letters between them, including Gandhi's profession of love for Kallenbach.
"Your portrait (the only one) stands on my mantelpiece in my bedroom," he wrote to Kallenbach. "The mantelpiece is opposite to the bed."
Gandhi added: "How completely you have taken possession of my body. This is slavery with a vengeance." Gandhi asked Hermann promise not to "look lustfully upon any woman." The two men pledged "more love, and yet more love....(such as) the world has not yet seen."
For more information, see paragraph 11 of this book review by the historian Andrew Roberts, published in the Wall Street Journal: http://tiny.cc/1mtgf
"Critics of the book condemn the author for revealing that Gandhi loved a man. They say this is insulting to his memory and offensive to the whole Indian nation. What nonsense. His sexuality does not diminish his political achievements or his character one iota. Only a homophobe would take offence at the evidence that Gandhi had a same-sex relationship," said Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner and Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
"I speak as someone for whom Gandhi has been a great political inspiration. He wasn't a saint but he was a very great man. Despite his faults and flaws, he played a leading role in securing Indian independence, forcing out the greatest colonial power in history - the mighty British Empire - by entirely non-violent resistance. Defeating the British and securing Indian independence by peaceful mass protest was a truly remarkable feat, which far outweighs his shortcomings.
"Freedom of expression, including the right to express ideas that others may find offensive, is a fundamental human right. Bans diminish open debate and critical inquiry. It is the job of historians and biographers to search for the truth and publish what they find without fear or favour. Censorship is a sign of weakness and a threat to democracy," added Mr Tatchell.
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