A quiet revolution is taking place in a small community nestled in Phwazi Estate, under GVH Songwe in Mulanje. It doesn’t involve protests or loud demonstrations but rather a simple wooden box. The community introduced this box to report cases of abuse and injustice and was meant to give a voice to those who felt powerless. Months after its introduction, the effort is still unfolding, as the community continues to shape and refine the initiative to ensure its effectiveness.
The idea was sparked by Eastern Produce Malawi’s (EPM) Tiyambe Project being implemented by ArtGlo, which, through its interactive performances, highlighted the struggles young people face in reporting abuse. Research by drama club members, which informed the contents of the performance, revealed that many in the community were hesitant to come forward due to fear of being labeled as snitches. In response, committee members, including representatives from the community policing team, child protection groups, and the mother group, took the lead in developing a solution. They created and placed a suggestion box in a location where people could safely and anonymously report cases. To ensure transparency, a police officer was designated to be present when opening the box, preventing conflicts of interest if a case involved a local stakeholder.
Biton Songwe, a committee member overseeing the initiative, reflected on how the community has responded so far. “We have tried to educate people in different gatherings, but participation is not yet where we want it to be,” he shared. “People hesitate because they are afraid of what might happen after reporting, but we are working on building trust so that they can use the box without fear.”
Despite the challenges, the effort is starting to show promise. One of the first reports submitted through the suggestion box was from a woman, Agnes (pseudonym), who revealed that she had been experiencing domestic abuse. She had been beaten both at home and in the fields by her husband, suffering injuries that required medical attention. Upon receiving the report, the committee acted swiftly. “We took the case to the chief, and from there, she was taken to the police at Muloza,” Songwe explained. “The police advised that they should be called again if the abuse continued.”
Another case, although not reported through the suggestion box, highlights the importance of community intervention. A man, Patrick (pseudonym), and his wife, Dorothy (pseudonym), found themselves in conflict after he mismanaged MWK 48,000 he had received through a local initiative, bringing home only MWK 14,000. The financial strain caused tensions in their household, especially as they care for orphans alongside their children. “We stepped in to mediate and reminded them that this initiative was meant to uplift families, not create more problems,” Songwe explained. “They were able to reconcile, but they are still struggling with the burden of raising so many children. They have reached out to relatives for help and are waiting for a response.”
As the community continues to refine the suggestion box initiative, key improvements are being considered. The committee has identified the need for more education and outreach to encourage people to use the box without fear. Additionally, regular engagement with outside stakeholders is seen as a way to strengthen community confidence. “We need to be encouraged frequently,” Songwe emphasized. “When other stakeholders with fresh energy come to support us, it shows the community that this is bigger than just us. People feel safer knowing they are not alone.”
While the initiative is still in its early stages, it reflects a growing commitment to safer reporting. The committee remains hopeful that with continued awareness and support, the suggestion box will become a trusted tool for addressing injustice in the community.
