Girls and women exchange sex for fish-Survey
A survey conducted in Nkhokakota by the Society of Women and Aids in Malawi (SWAM) has revealed that girls and women exchange sex with fish offered by fishermen .
According to the survey, women sleep with the fishermen at Dwangwa Sugar Cooperation when their husbands go for a shift.
Vice President for SWAM, Esther Mede was speaking Thursday during the presentation of baseline survey results to stakeholders held at Nkhotakota Boma.
Mede explained that the project is a follow up of a baseline survey the organization conducted in the areas of Chiefs Mphonde, Kanyenda, Kafuzira and Dwangwa Sugar Corporation in the district.
He said the 96 people interviewed during the survey revealed that they have heard about HIV and Aids representing a 100% awareness.
“All the people that were interviewed indicated to have heard about HIV and Aids but the disease is still prevalent “, she said.
She therefore said the objective of the project will be to promote behavioural change in order to reduce transmission of the virus among high risk groups including fishermen, plantation workers and the communities.
Mede explained that the project will also aim at strengthening capacity of communities to discourage harmful cultural practices and high risk behaviours that promote further transmission of HIV.
She said SWAM will reduce the susceptibility and vulnerability of young women and girls to HIV and Aids by training women , youth , traditional and religious leaders as well as fishermen in sexual reproductive health and life skills , among others.
SWAM is a non governmental organisation affiliated to the Africa (SWAM). The project will run for a two year project with funding from PACT Malawi to a tune of K15.6 million.
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