Source: StarAfrica
Malawi has launched a three-year campaign to slash by 15 percent the number of cases of sexual violence against women, girls and children by 2017.

Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati said Thursday the United2Act Campaign would ensure that women and girls are safe and free from violence.

"Sexual violence against women and girls remains an obstacle to reaching many developments in the country," she said.

The minister added that violence accounted for the largest outlay of public and private funds in the society and increases absenteeism and many long-term effects on the victims.

"If only Malawians can unite and act to end sexual violence, government will significantly save public and private funds on violence related cases as well as have enough resources to meet obligations on other economic and social rights of the citizen," she said.

However, the initiative follows Malawi's commitments on gender and international conventions on the rights of children and women.

• Malawi