CCJP censures Malawi harmful cultural practices, calls immediate abolishment

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in Mangochi Diocese has said harmful cultural practices are a menace that are robbing of children right to education and has since called on authorities to abolish them.

CCJP’s observation comes at a time when leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the country are pressing the government hard to change some archaic policies, arguing they are weak and doom the future of the children.

Speaking during the interface meeting recently in Mangochi, CCJP Project Officer Patrick Kumbuyo said some cultural practices are outmoded and they need to be amended or abolished completely.

“Some cultural practices are beehive of moral decadence. Instead of shaping children to be good citizens they shape them bad citizens and consequently they (children) begin to look for men and women for marriage, thereby, dropping-out of school,” noted Kumbuyo.

He challenged that the much touted 50-50 representation campaign in various positions by NGOs in the country will remain a nightmare unless obsolete harmful cultural are modified.

Kumbuyo expressed shock that Mangochi is still registering high cases of school drop-out rate despite several interventions by stakeholders, noting this is being exacerbated by various cultural practices.

‘As CCJP we will remain an influential actor in promoting children’s right so that children should get quality education and become responsible citizens,” he explained.

In his remarks, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chowe described the concerns of CCJP as genuine, promising to take action together with his subjects.

“Harmful cultural practices must indeed go. No-one should abuse our children in the name of initiation rites or anything near that is harmful in its nature,” warned the Chief.

With funding from Tilitonse CCJP is implementing a two- year Enhanced Citizen Participation for Accountable and Responsive Governance in Mangochi; where it is ensuring that right-holders exercise their democratic rights on participation on governance.

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