PKN Programme: Changing the Narrative, Transforming Communities

In the heart of Traditional Authority Kalolo, Lilongwe District, communities are celebrating a remarkable transformation. Families and villages that once grappled with high levels of violence against women and girls are now witnessing a significant decline in such cases, thanks to the impactful Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (PKN) Programme.

“There has been a major change in my area. Previously, there were many cases of violence among couples, now the cases have reduced significantly. We hope this programme continues so that more people benefit,” testified Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalolo.

The testimony was shared as Principal Secretary responsible for Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Oliver Kumbambe, visited the area to witness the programme’s progress firsthand.

“We must remain realistic about the challenges that still confront us,” said Kumbambe. “Change is possible when communities take ownership of the fight against violence.”

Faith Phiri, Executive Director of the Girls Empowerment Network (GENET), reinforced this message: “Ending Intimate Partner Violence requires joint efforts from all members of society. We must build communities that collectively reject violence and create safe environments for women and girls.”

The four-year Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (PKN) programme is implemented by a consortium of dedicated Women Rights Organisations, Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), Girls Empowerment Network (GENET) and Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities (HRWGWD).

It receives support from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the What Works to Prevent Violence.

The programme uses community-led approaches, including awareness campaigns, training of accompanier groups, police sensitization on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and the transformative SASA! Together and Moyo Olemekezeka methodologies to shift harmful social norms.

By empowering communities in the implementing areas of Balaka and Lilongwe, PKN is fostering lasting cultural change and promoting safer, more equitable environments for women and girls.