By Kelly Napolo, Public Relations Intern
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has reinforced its dedication to combating gender-based violence (GBV) in workplaces, as part of its active participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
This campaign, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10, seeks to raise awareness and inspire action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
As part of its commemoration of the period, ESCOM organised a virtual conference involving staff members from various departments within the power utility company. The initiative underscored the company’s pledge to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.
Addressing the participants, ESCOM Chief Operations Officer (COO), Eng. Maxwell Mulimakwenda, emphasized the vulnerability of women in matters of GBV particularly in workplaces.
“At a workplace like ESCOM, I want women and girls not to tolerate anyone who tries to trespass into their personal lives. I urge you not to settle for mediocrity. We go beyond supplying electricity; we want to create a safe space for everyone,” Mulimakwenda said.
The COO further noted the limited presence of women in leadership roles within the company. Therefore, he encouraged leaders in ESCOM to prioritize respect and inclusion, stand firmly against GBV, and support women in leadership through mentorship programs.
In her speech, ESCOM Power Ladies Forum Chairperson, Isabel Mangulenje, highlighted the progress made in empowering women within the company.
She credited the forum for equipping women with tools to tackle daily challenges, enhancing their confidence and resilience.
“We conduct various discussions aimed at helping women build their confidence, and we have had testimonies from the members of how these discussions have been helpful,” Mangulenje said.
Taking her turn, ESCOM Social and Gender Inclusion Manager, Elube Chienda, emphasized the urgent need for secure confidential reporting mechanisms on GBV cases to protect victims and encourage them to come forward.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of increasing awareness of GBV and fostering accountability.
ESCOM’s active involvement in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence demonstrates its commitment to creating a workplace that champions respect, inclusion, and safety in line with the Social and Gender Inclusion and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.
By empowering women, addressing systemic challenges, and establishing robust reporting systems, ESCOM is setting a powerful example.
FACTS ON GBV
- 1 in 3 women (736 million) experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, often by an intimate partner.
- GBV remains a critical issue in Malawi, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges and climate-related disasters such as Cyclone Freddy.
- Domestic violence, including physical and sexual abuse, is the most common form of GBV.
- A significant percentage of women and girls face violence in their homes or communities, often with limited access to justice due to financial constraints.
- 42 percent of women in Malawi have experienced physical violence from a partner at some point.