Sinoyo’s family now lives happily, GBV was derailing their progress
For years, 32-year-old Isaac Sinoyo from Mikate Village, under Traditional Authority Maganiza in Thyolo district, silently endured abuse in his marriage. Like many men, he feared being judged by the community if he spoke out—believing that “men never cry, they should stand strong.”
That silence was broken in December 2024, during an awareness campaign in Byson Village. Organized by Ufulu Women Group under Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO), with support from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) through UN Women, the campaign encouraged community members to speak out against gender-based violence (GBV). Inspired by their message, Isaac bravely stepped forward and shared his story.
Through CCDO’s two-year project (2024–2026) “Progressive Peace Building and Conflict Prevention among Women and Girls in the Rural Communities of Thyolo,” being implemented in the areas of Traditional Authorities (TAs) Bvumbwe, Changata, Nchiramwela, Maggie and Maganiza in Thyolo, local women, girls, and peace committee members are being trained to advocate, mediate, and lead change.
In Maganiza, the Ufulu Women Group, chaired by Aidah Makaniko, has been on the frontlines—holding talks in village savings groups, conducting awareness campaigns, and resolving conflicts.
“Our area faces high cases of GBV, especially physical and economic abuse. But with CCDO’s support, people are now coming forward to report cases. What’s even more encouraging is seeing men, like Isaac, openly report abuse—something that was unheard of before,” shared Makaniko.
When Isaac reported his case, Ufulu Women Group mediated between him and his wife, Mainet Sitole. During the process, Isaac realized that while he was suffering physical and emotional abuse, he was also limiting his wife’s role in family financial decisions—unintentionally fueling conflict.
The mediation brought a breakthrough. Both Isaac and Mainet recognized their mistakes, learned to listen, and began to rebuild their relationship.
“My wife used to disrespect and quarrel with me daily over finances. After the women’s group intervened, I understood that I was also wrong for not allowing her to participate in decisions. Today, we involve each other in everything,” Isaac reflected.
For Mainet, the change has been life-transforming:
“The daily misunderstandings stopped. My husband now involves me in decision-making and has even empowered me with a small business. I run seasonal ventures like sugarcane sales, and our marriage is happier than ever. We are truly grateful to the Ufulu Women.”
Between January and August 2025, the Ufulu Women Group has resolved 20 conflicts and GBV cases, with domestic violence topping the list.
Every step counts—Ufulu Women heading to hearing sessions for a stronger tomorrow.