Parading of woman naked condemned by Malawi govt, activist: ‘Sexual harassment’

The Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and human rights activist Habiba Osman have condemned the parading of a naked woman in the business district of Limbe in Blantyre and circulating the pictures on social media as an act of “sexual harassment.”

The girl was reportedly caught stealing in a shop and stripped naked, She had to be taken away paraded in streets naked with a watchful eye of a police officer as some men abused her by touching her boobs.

Principal Secretary in Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Esmie Kainja said in a statement made available to Nyasa Times that the ministry is “deeply disturbed” by the images  which have gone viral on social media that expose the dignity of a woman in Limbe.

“What is troubling is the fact that the woman has a history of mental challenges and the public violation of the woman’s rights is the uncalled for glorification of violence against women,” the statement reads in part.

The ministry has also condemned   the conduct of the police officers who handled the case as “deeply concerning”.

It said even the individuals circulating the pictures are “participating in a criminal activity.” The Ministry therefore calls for action to be taken against the perpetrators of the “horrific and shocking crime” against the woman.

“Every Malawian has a right to dignity, privacy, security of their person and to be safe from any form of street justice. Any alleged criminal action is not supposed to be dealt with on the streets,” the statement reads.

Every Malawian has since been called to be vigilant and protect vulnerable young women and children at all times.

The public is being urged to report any strange and suspicious activities that violate the rights and wellbeing of women and girls so that the law must take its course and stiffer penalties are imposed on perpetrators.

Taking it to Facebook, Osman who is also human trafficking law expert pointed out that it is becoming a common trend in Malawi to circulate nude photos on social media and WhatsApp and expose pictures of women and young girls.

“Sadly, this is being done by those close to the girls and women without their consent. It is seriously a conversation that needs to be had, as we are now breeding a culture of porn hurting those persons we expose, “she wrote.

She said when people suspected of committing crime are caught, they should be handed to law enforcing officers and not undress them.

“I see this as a new wave of violence on social media and in public spaces in this country. Although violence in the private domain is now widely recognized as a human rights violation, violence against women and girls, especially sexual harassment in public spaces, remains a largely neglected issue, with few laws or policies in place to prevent and address it. We need to be vigilant as next it will be those close to us,” Osman said.