Morovians Humanitarian and Development Services (MOHDS) Project Coordinator, Belinda Gondwe, says empowering women and girls without making them participate in developmental aspects of the society affects their mental well-being in one way or another.
She made the sentiments on Friday at Asikhana Walani Vocational technical college in Lilongwe District during a one-day Mental Health Awareness session and cultural day with Female Police Network and Female students at the facility aiming at tackling matters that affect women and girls in line of their duties.
Speaking to journalists, Gondwe highlighted that women and girls face various forms of mental harassment either at their work place or anywhere in the society, a situation pertaining to poor performance in as far as service delivery is concerned.
Echoing Gondwe’ sentiment, MOHDS Executive Director, Jonah Sinyagwe expressed his organization commitment in upholding mental health project both in Dowa and Lilongwe district focusing on issues that affect citizens mental well-being, being social, political or developmental aspect of life.
Meanwhile, Lumbadzi Police Officer in Charge and Assistant commissioner of Police, who was also guest of honor, Mable Msefula, expressed the station’s commitment in combatting gender-based violence in the district.
“Female Police network should continue upholding professionalism and confidentiality when dealing with mental health issues that residents lodge at Lumbadzi police station”, She echoed.
On the other side, Female police Network’ Secretary, Sargant Diana-A Dandaula, appealed to the citizens to engage police when facing mental health issues rather than taking suicidal approach.
Dandaula further appealed to Government, NGOs and UN sisters Agency to collaborate with police when receiving complaints that can affect someone’s life in as far as mental health is concerned, alleging that mental health is real.
