Esther Lameck’s transformation from a drama club member to a powerful advocate for other people’s rights in communities around Chisambo Estate in Mulanje is a testament to the impact of the Tiyambe Project. As a member of the drama group that spread messages about gender-based violence and equality, she initially participated in performances that used Theater for Development (TfD) to raise awareness. However, it was not just the performances that changed her, it was the profound lessons she internalized from the project’s training, which gave her the tools and confidence to turn knowledge into action.
One day, a woman approached Lameck after experiencing abuse from her husband. The woman had left her home to stay at her husband’s family home for several months. When she returned, she found that her house had fallen into disrepair after being hit by cyclone Freddy. She asked her husband for help, but instead of support, he shouted at her and beat her. Lameck recalls, “When she came to me, she was desperate. Her house was destroyed, and the man’s anger was too much for her to handle. I knew exactly what to do. I referred her to her relatives because they were the first point of support.”
In another instance, Lameck helped a woman whose child was beaten by her partner. The child was not his biological child, but that did not stop him from accusing the child of being lazy and punishing her severely. The woman came to her for help, and she recalls, “The man had no right to treat the child like that. I spoke to him and told him that what he did was not just physical abuse, but emotional abuse as well. I explained to him that this behavior was wrong and needed to stop.” The man eventually listened, and the situation was resolved.
Lameck’s ability to internalize the Tiyambe messages and apply them in real-life situations is a true reflection of the program’s success. It gave her the skills to analyze problems, confront abuses, and make informed decisions. “I have learned so much more than just acting. The training gave me a new vision for my community. I feel empowered to help others, and I do it with the belief that I can make a real difference,” she adds.
Through Lameck’s story, the Tiyambe Project’s impact ripples outward, not just offering support for those exposed to the project, but empowering them to be agents of change in their own right. With her unyielding commitment to justice, she has become a living testament to the project’s enduring legacy, one that continues to break barriers and reshape the lives of those who need it most.
