Chiefs must help fight GBV–Chief Chisunka
By Adrian Mwanza
CHIEF Chisunka of the Ushi people of Mansa District in Luapula Province says traditional leaders have a duty to fight all forms of gender based violence (GBV) in their chiefdoms.
Speaking in an interview with The Mast yesterday, Chief Chisunka said chiefs should stop all forms of GBV and demand accountability from perpetrators of the vice in their jurisdictions.
He urged traditional leaders across the country to ensure that the vice was addressed by reporting all perpetrators to the police and carrying out community sensitisation about its danger.
“We as traditional leaders need to champion the fight against gender based violence. GBV has resulted in a lot of people losing their lives. People have died, some have been left with permanent injuries while some are living with the trauma as a result,” he said.
Chief Chisunka warned that he would not condone GBV in his chiefdom.
He said anyone found engaging in the scourge would have to face the wrath of the law.
Chief Chisunka urged civil society organisations to ensure that the problem was dealt with once and for all.
He said combined efforts by stakeholders were important in ensuring positive results were achieved.
“There is also a need to stiffen the laws on GBV to act as a deterrent measure to people who are hoping to engage in the act,” Chief Chisunka.
