LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-High Court Judge Mzonde Mvula has called for reforms in the way sexual offence cases are handled, warning that inadequate scrutiny can sometimes lead to the conviction of innocent people.
He emphasized that justice must be administered carefully and fairly to protect both victims and the accused.
Judge Mvula made the remarks during a Human Rights Commemoration event held at Maula Prison in Lilongwe, where he was the guest of honour.
Addressing inmates, prison officials, and other stakeholders, he noted that sexual offence cases are among the most complex and sensitive matters before the courts.
As a result, he said, they require thorough investigation and careful evaluation of evidence.
He explained that in some countries, courts and investigators have embraced scientific methods such as DNA analysis to help establish the truth in sexual offence cases.
According to Judge Mvula, the use of such scientific evidence has significantly reduced the risk of wrongful convictions in those countries.
He stressed that adopting similar approaches would help ensure that justice is delivered accurately and fairly.
Judge Mvula further highlighted his personal experience on the bench, revealing that out of 30 sexual offence cases he had handled, only eight were proven beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had actually committed the crimes.
This, he said, demonstrates the danger of rushing to conclusions without proper and comprehensive examination of evidence.
He also noted that judges are sometimes tasked with responding to complaints from inmates who argue that some laws appear to favour girls and women more than men.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, Judge Mvula said the justice system must remain balanced and impartial.
His remarks were met with loud applause from inmates, many of whom expressed appreciation and agreement with his views.
Judge Mvula underscored the importance of reforming investigative and judicial processes in sexual offence cases to safeguard human rights.
He said embracing scientific methods and ensuring deeper scrutiny would strengthen public confidence in the justice system and help prevent the punishment of innocent people.
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Sherrone Moore is out of the job at Michigan … after the university announced he was fired for having an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” The school confirmed the firing to TMZ Sports on Wednesday … stating an…
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December 10 2025: The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut today strengthens the case for two further reductions in 2026, despite the central bank’s deliberately cautious tone, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations.
Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says today’s move confirms that US monetary policy has entered an easing phase that remains incomplete.
“This rate cut validates our view that restrictive policy is giving way to a slower, more measured recalibration,” he says. “The Fed’s language is hawkish by design, yet the underlying signals continue to point toward additional easing next year.”
The Fed lowered borrowing costs by a quarter percentage point, taking its benchmark rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
Officials paired the move with messaging aimed at tempering expectations for rapid follow-up action, a combination that has quickly been described in markets as a “hawkish cut.”
He says that characterization supports deVere’s forecast rather than undermining it.
“A hawkish cut is a hallmark of a central bank managing transition,” he says. “It reflects disagreement over timing, not direction.
“The Fed is easing while attempting to keep financial conditions from loosening too quickly.”
The internal divide within the rate-setting committee remains clear. Some policymakers argue that further cuts are needed to prevent a deeper slowdown in the labour market, where job growth has weakened noticeably this year.
Others warn that inflation could remain above target, particularly with tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump pushing up prices across parts of the economy.
Nigel Green says this split explains why the Fed is unlikely to commit to an aggressive path, but also why holding rates steady for too long would carry risk. “Policy remains restrictive in real terms,” he says.
“If hiring continues to cool and inflation does not reaccelerate, keeping rates at current levels into 2026 would tighten conditions by default.”
Labour-market dynamics form a key pillar of deVere’s outlook. Employment weakness often develops gradually before becoming visible in headline figures. Once firms slow hiring and reduce job turnover, momentum rarely reverses quickly.
“The Fed is acting on forward-looking risk,” says Nigel Green. “By the time deterioration becomes obvious, the cost of delay rises sharply. Two cuts next year would reflect risk management rather than urgency.”
Inflation concerns, while valid, carry a different profile than during earlier phases of the tightening cycle. Tariff-related pressures raise prices but do not generate demand-driven momentum. As a result, higher rates offer limited offset.
“Monetary policy cannot reverse tariff effects,” says Nigel Green. “What it can do is compound the drag on growth if it remains overly tight. That asymmetry increases the likelihood of further adjustments once inflation shows stability rather than acceleration.”
Another factor reinforcing the forecast is the impending leadership transition at the Fed. Today’s decision comes ahead of the announcement of a new chair, following President Trump’s confirmation that a nomination will be made early next year. Jerome Powell’s term ends in May, marking a sensitive institutional handover.
Nigel Green says such transitions typically favour continuity. “Incoming leadership rarely begins with abrupt shifts,” he says.
“Measured changes spread over time allow credibility to carry across administrations. That makes a series of modest cuts more likely than a prolonged pause.”
Financial conditions also argue in favour of further easing. Interest-sensitive sectors continue to face pressure, while credit availability remains tight for smaller businesses. Market pricing alone cannot resolve these constraints without follow-through from policy.
“Validating part of the adjustment through action reduces the risk of uneven tightening,” says Nigel Green. “Two cuts across 2026 would still leave policy disciplined.”
He adds that today’s decision should be viewed as confirmation of trajectory rather than conclusion. “This was not a finishing move,” he says. “It was a controlled step in a longer process.”
Nigel Green concludes: “The Fed’s hawkish cut does not close the door on further easing.
“It reinforces our expectation that next year brings additional reductions as policy aligns more closely with a slowing labour market and a changing leadership landscape.”
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“Let us pledge that gender-based violence will end with us. For how many generations and centuries will we bear the brunt of gender-based violence? We are not asking for mercy from men or boys – we are asking for our right to live with equality and justice – just like them. Enough is enough. Full Stop.” These were the words of keynote speaker Shobha Shukla at Africa’s Speak Up and Heal Summit organised by African Girls Empowerment Network to mark International Human Rights Day.
She said she has survived violence and would like to know who among the audience has not faced any kind of gender-based violence, be it emotional violence, emotional trauma, physical or sexual violence, or a guilty flush of shame when gaslighted? No hand went up – it was such a chilling moment to realise how highly prevalent gender-based violence could be.
“The Question is, why is violence against women and girls so normalised? Why do we have to live with it?” she said. Shobha Shukla is a noted feminist and development justice advocate, and hosts SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights) initiative as well as leads Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media) and CNS.
Sadly there is hardly any change in violence against women since 2000. “As girls and women – we cannot accept a pathetic annual drop of 0.2%” said Shobha. In the last 25 years, annual decline in intimate partner and sexual violence is abysmally low at 0.2%. “In other words, 99.8% – of total number of women and girls who faced violence, remained same – year after year. This is so pathetic and unacceptable.”
Almost half of the countries globally have no comprehensive legislative policies and laws to address domestic violence
“While 165 out of 193 countries have domestic violence laws but only 104 countries have comprehensive legislative policies and laws in place. Or in other words, nearly half (48%) of the countries LACK comprehensive legislative policies and laws in place to address the various forms of domestic violence. Even in those countries where laws exist, funding to address domestic violence is not adequate – rather it has declined since 2022,” said Shobha Shukla.
“So, when we read that 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime, this is a gross understatement. Actual violence rates must be very high – which is so very alarming and painful,” she added.
If we are to walk the talk on ending sexual and all other forms of gender-based violence, including digital violence, we must translate words into stronger actions – dismantle patriarchy, and rethink, and rebuild feminist health and development systems.
Agrees Dr Pam Rajput, a noted feminist and gender justice leader who currently serves as Emeritus Professor in Panjab University. She is also the former Chairperson of Government of India’s High-Level Committee on the Status of Women.
Dr Pam said that: “The preamble of the United Nations adopted by all governments begin with the 3 words: “We the people…” and not ‘We the men.’ Gender equality is enshrined in the UN Charter since 1945. But have we walked the talk?
“Gender equality is also enshrined in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and legally binding UN treaty CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women) of 1979. Governments also committed to address violence against women in CEDAW. In 1993, world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to eliminate gender-based violence. In 1995, UN Conference on Women in Beijing and its landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action committed governments to address violence against women too,” she added.
16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence began in 1991 because of feminist civil society leaders. Later in 2008, then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced UNITE to end violence against women campaign which has gained strong momentum since then, said Dr Pam Rajput. “Despite so many agreements and declarations to end violence against women and girls, the question remains why the rates have not declined?”
Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights, rooted in gender inequality and an impediment to sustainable development.
“Boys and men for centuries of the disease of patriarchy – have grown up with the wrong notion that they have rights, entitlements and privileges which females do not have. I often wonder that “Why is it that men work from sun to sun, and women’s work is never done?” asked Shobha Shukla, who was the Lead Discussant for SDG-3 at the intergovernmental United Nations High Level Political Forum (UN HLPF 2025) in New York. “From waking up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for everyone – to making kids ready to go to school – or feed men to go to work – and may be go to her own work too – she also takes care of all or most of household chores – and then puts her kids to sleep and her husband to sleep – before it is another day! Her work is never done. Also, perhaps when it is holiday for everyone – weekends or festivals or family functions – she has even more work to do! Can she get a break – without any guilt? And can men and boys share household chores?”
“There is no genetic disposition that makes a male more special than a female. There is no genetic disposition that makes women carers and household workers and bars men from doing so – but patriarchy makes us wrongly think like this. It is wrongly instilled in girls since their infancy that it is their duty to care for others in the role of a sister, wife or mother, and disregard their own self,” said Shobha Shukla.
“And if we expect boys and men will give up their rights, entitlements and privileges on their own calling or give them up easily we are in delusion – because it is the patriarchal rights, privileges and entitlements which let boys and men enjoy life full of opportunities, hopes and aspirations, and make us females highly vulnerable to violence and dependent on them,” she added. “These patriarchal privileges, rights, and entitlements are not only limited to gender-based inequities we suffer, but also rob us of economic rights, work force participation rights, education rights, social justice and cultural rights.”
Until we dismantle patriarchy we cannot breathe free
“Gender-based violence takes several forms, including emotional violence and trauma – one of the most heinous crimes that most often goes unreported and unseen – also there is hardly any legal mechanism to seek justice. Whether we call it gaslighting or other terms, all our hearts are ripped by emotional violence and trauma and scars,” said firebrand feminist leader Shobha.
“One of the latest forms of gender-based violence is digital violence – all of us face it on a daily basis. Fear or apprehensions of accepting phone calls from unknown numbers, or abuses or sexually explicit messages on social media – or gaslighting and threats on social media when we dare to speak up and heal – and reclaim our rights, entitlements and privileges – all of us face it and struggle against it too,” she said.
“But the root cause remains the same which gives a wrong notion to the male perpetrator that it is ‘okay to do so’ and also gives a wrong feeling to us – the females – that we have to live with it or keep our mouths shut – and deny ourselves the benefits of digitalisation and online world. But it is not our destiny to face this. We have to course correct this – and fight for it. And speak up, heal and reclaim our due rights, privileges and entitlements,” added Shobha Shukla.
“We have to look inwards and undo patriarchal ‘programming’ that is wrongly seeping inside us like a virus in a computer. Do we realise that we – women and girls – are also infected with patriarchy? Are we not ‘conditioned’ since our childhood to accept so many harmful gender and social norms, narratives and stereotypes? And think that they are ‘normal’? When they are actually abnormal and grossly wrong?” she asked.
“Think of female genital mutilation or cutting – is it normal? But over 230 million girls and women globally live with it and they come from certain patriarchal societies that wrongly ‘normalise’ it,” said Shobha.
Agrees Dr Huda Syyed, Founder of Sahara Sisters’ Collective and part of Asian Network to end female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C), Australia: “Governments committed to deliver on SDGs by 2030 – one of the SDG-5 targets is to end female genital mutilation or cutting. But UNICEF report 2024 shows that over 230 million girls and women worldwide had undergone female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) – over 80 million girls and women in Asia underwent female genital mutilation or cutting in 2024. Instead of a decline, there was 15% increase in female genital mutilation or cutting in 2024 compared to 8 years ago.”
“We cannot meet SDGs when half the population is harmed, silenced or excluded. Development justice demands that policies centre women’s safety, agency, and bodily integrity,” added Dr Huda who was speaking at SHE & Rights session together hosted by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), Women Deliver Conference 2026, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media) and CNS.
According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) can never be ‘safe,’ and there is no medical justification for the practice. Under any circumstances, FGM/C violates the right to health, the right to be free from violence, the right to life and physical integrity, the right to non-discrimination, and the right to be free from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. When performed in a clinical setting, FGM/C violates medical ethics.
“Ending female genital mutilation or cutting in Asia and globally is not a marginal issue rather it is a central issue to gender and development justice as well as central to bodily autonomy, public health, right to equality, human rights, children’s rights and girl child rights. Patriarchal notions of women’s bodies which are shaped into shame and secrecy need to be challenged and dismantled,” said Dr Huda.
“Boys and men wrongly think they are born to enjoy more rights, entitlements and privileges – and perpetrate violence of all forms at all ages – and we girls and women and gender diverse persons wrongly feel that we are destined to ‘accept’ and remain ‘silent.’ Why is it always the woman or the girl who has to adjust, conform, or be silent or be silenced?” asked Shobha. “We are born free – be it a male or female child or of any other gender. So you and I also have a right to breathe free from fear of any form of gender-based violence – and enjoy full rights, entitlements and privileges like men.”
“In addition to rethinking, rebuilding and rising ourselves, we all have to unite together to denormalise and counter harmful social norms, narratives and stereotypes that reek of gender prejudices. We have to call upon our governments to deliver a life of equality for all without any discrimination or prejudice,” she added. “We were born equal so we deserve and need an equal life of opportunities, daring, hope, and aspirations.”
End gender-based violence along with striving for economic and social justice
“While we fight together to end all forms of gender-based violence, my sisters, resisters and persisters – I appeal to you to also fight for your social rights and economic rights. There is no gene that makes a man more intelligent than women. But there is a ‘disease’ called patriarchy which makes him think like that. Is the same ‘disease’ making us think like that? Do we feel ‘men can do better’ in education and economic activities?” asked Shobha Shukla.
“All girls must receive the same education and equitable and just opportunities in life to follow their dreams – work-wise, economic justice-wise as well as income-wise – with parity, justice and dignity – and with zero guilt. We have to earn and have full control on our finances. We have to make investment decisions about our money too – we will err because to err is human – men also err so what is the big deal about it? We will learn and become better with finances,” asserted Shobha Shukla who leads CNS.
“We have a right to relax, have a weekend off, or go out for a movie – is this not normal for boys and men? Then why not for us? But when we do this, it is the ‘disease’ patriarchy that makes us all feel guilty. Uproot the disease out of us first,” said Shobha.
Gender equality and human right to health are fundamental human rights, reminds Shobha – as it is enshrined in numerous global commitments, agreements and declarations. But we need to bridge the gap between ‘words’ and ‘deeds.’
Bobby Ramakant – CNS (Citizen News Service)
– Shared under Creative Commons (CC)
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NKHATA BAY-(MaraviPost)-The Waterboard Ground in Nkhata Bay came alive on Wednesday as the Second Vice President, Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, led national commemorations for the 2025 International Human Rights Day, delivering a powerful call for unity, accountability and daily respect for human dignity.
Speaking on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Chihana said this year’s theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” reminds Malawians that rights are not distant concepts but the very foundation of dignified living.
He noted that the commemoration coincides with the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a global milestone born after World War II to safeguard the dignity and equality of all people.
As the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline and the United Nations marks 80 years of existence, Chihana said Malawi must reflect on its progress with sincerity.
The Second Vice President reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
He highlighted laws like the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act, the Gender Equality Act and the Disability Act as the backbone of the country’s human rights protection framework.
Chihana applauded constitutional bodies including the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the Office of the Ombudsman and the Legal Aid Bureau for ensuring that rights enshrined in the Constitution are upheld.
He celebrated the MHRC’s A-status accreditation under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, calling it proof of the Commission’s independence and professionalism.
As the event also marked the end of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Chihana reflected on continued human rights violations: violence against women and girls, HIV-related stigma, barriers faced by persons with disabilities and the corrosive impact of corruption.
He emphasized that this year’s theme means translating rights into everyday life—clean water, respectful health care, accessible education, functional justice systems and safe communities.
Using Nkhata Bay’s lakeshore communities as an example, he said government’s efforts must reach people where they live.
Chihana outlined six national priorities: strengthening health systems, expanding access to justice, protecting children from exploitation, promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities, advancing economic and social rights, and intensifying efforts to end gender-based violence.
He added transparency and accountability as essential pillars for ensuring public resources benefit intended communities.
The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment to adequately funding the Malawi Human Rights Commission, protecting its independence and enhancing collaboration with the Ombudsman and the Legal Aid Bureau.
He also thanked development partners including UNDP, Iceland and Norway for supporting the Commission and human rights initiatives.
He reminded the nation that defending human rights is a shared responsibility that begins in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
He urged Malawians to stand against violence, oppression, discrimination and corruption while supporting survivors and respecting diversity.
Chihana concluded by assuring the nation that President Mutharika remains committed to strengthening institutions and partnerships that uphold human rights.
He praised civil society, faith leaders, media workers and traditional authorities for their continued role in advancing justice and dignity.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has increased this year’s ‘12 Days of Christmas initiative’ package to MK250 million, from last year’s allocation of MK130 million.
The initiative is aimed at supporting communities across the country during the festive season.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the ‘Bank of the Nation’ is running the initiative, which channels donations of food and non-food items to selected beneficiaries identified by its service centres nationwide.
This year, the initiative is scheduled to run from December 5 to December 22, with each participating service centre making a K20 million-worth donation, and a final donation of a K30 million package at the end of the campaign.
NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the initiative reflects the Bank’s deep appreciation for the communities that have supported its growth over the years.
“Every year, this initiative reminds us of the real meaning of the festive season — reaching out, sharing, and standing with those who need a helping hand. We hope that these contributions bring comfort, dignity, and encouragement to the institutions and families we serve,” said Hiwa
Hiwa added that the initiative also strengthens the relationship between the Bank and the communities in which it operates.
“We do not take our place in these communities for granted. The ‘12 Days of Christmas’ allows each service centre to connect with people on a more personal level and respond to needs that are truly felt on the ground. It is one of the ways we live out our responsibility to support national development and promote collective wellbeing,” said Hiwa.
This year’s selected beneficiaries encompass a range of institutions, including educational, health, and community welfare organisations across the country.
The selected service centres this year include Henderson Street Service Centre, which will donate to Chilomoni Health Centre, Mwanza Service Centre will donate medical equipment to St Martin’s Health Centre, while Chichiri Mall Service Centre will donate to Wells of Joy Orphan Care.
Nchalo Service Centre and Top Mandala Service Centre will donate to Makande Primary School in Ngabu and Nankumba Catholic Primary School in Chazunda, respectively.
Lilongwe Gateway and Kanengo Service Centres will donate to the Mngongonda Village community and Area 25 Health Centre, respectively.
Kasungu Service Centre will donate to Mpapa Community Secondary School, while Mzuzu Service Centre will contribute to Bandawe Girls Secondary School.
Karonga Service Centre will support Chilumba community projects, Liwonde Service Centre will donate to Liwonde Secondary School, while Zomba Service Centre will donate to Magomero Health Centre.
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