Chilomoni, Blantyre

Much like other deprived parts of the country, Chilomoni has historically seen a high prevalence of gender-based violence case numbers. Facilities and treatment for victims was previously been very limited, to the point where sometimes both victim and offenders would be held in the  same small building, while claims were being investigated. The community of Chilomoni approached Beehive, to request the provision o a much-needed support facility for domestic violence victims. Aware of an assault that had recently taken place on one of its female members of staff, Beehive obliged.

‘In Malawi, the prevalence of domestic violence among … married women perpetrated by their current or most recent spouse (physical, sexual or emotional) is estimated at 42% higher than the global average estimate of intimate partner violence.’ (National Statistics Office Malawi & DHS Program, 2017.) 

Building Design
“It is good that the building’s layout was well-thought of during the design process; now it can accommodate victims for a night or so."
(Hannah Kagona, MTCC Outreach Family Support Team Leader)
Location
Chilomoni Police Station, Chilomoni, Blantyre, Malawi
Type
Support Unit
Year of Construction
2010-2011
Project Architect
Noella Chikuse
Total Development Area (Approx. GEA)
51m²
Construction Cost
N/A
Cost per m²
N/A

The Victim Support Unit is a simple, single-storey structure, located adjacent to the Chilomoni Police Station; in this way, victims and offenders could be kept completely separate from one another in the event of an assault. The building is designed to accommodate victims and their children who may be unable to return to their homes for several days following an assault; it therefore contains two offices for consultation and investigation (one for adult victims and one for child victims), a bedroom large enough to accommodate up to four people, and a bathroom with shower. The “living” space has deliberately been separated from the public office space, through the use of a small Lobby, in order to respect the users’ privacy.

The building has been constructed from Beehive’s site-made Hydraform blocks, used in a loadbearing capacity in order to remove the need for reinforced concrete framing. Steel roof sheets supported by timber rafters form a simple, functional monopitch roof. Unlike many homes in the surrounding area, the Victim Support Unit has running water and electricity throughout, provided for the comfort of the users. Bright, bold signage on the building’s exterior proudly proclaims the function of the building, inviting women to access the service when required.

Social Impact

Gender
based violence training is undertaken with local churches

Catholic Community Support
Cook has been employed full time at the VSU to prepare food for victims and existing staff.
0
Job Creation

The VSU educates the local community on gender based violence through
Campaigns 

Quality Education
Children per week are assisted by the VSU
0
Women per day are assisted by the VSU
0
Supporting the Vulnerable
"People are confident in reporting their cases to the Victim Support Unit Now, as they know they will meet the right people, ensuring complete confidentiality. Previously victims would report to whomever was on reception at the police station."
(Hannah Kagona, MTCC Outreach Family Support Leader)

The Victim Support Unit Offers a place of refuge for those that have been abused. As many as 3 women come to the unit per day and an average of 5 children a week are supported by the team. Abandoned children are also often left at the unit – 3 children were left over the course of 2020, and the team works with local partners to ensure they are found a safe and secure home. The VSU team works closely with each victim, to help them get the support they need, whether that’s temporary accommodation and food at the unit or on-going counseling. The unit works closely with the Outreach team at MTCC in case management, as well as Child Marriages. They work closely with local Churches, some violence has been perpetuated by religious beliefs that promote male chauvinistic values. Since the establishment of the VSU, there has been a great reduction in child related crimes and child marriages in Chilomoni, compared to the surrounding areas.

Meet The Team

My name is Victor Likado. I joined Beehive in October 2017. I have worked in several departments namely Beetech and Construction. In 2018 I joined the Administration Department, and now I am working as the Deputy Human Resources Manager. My job has a wide range of functions. In short, ranging from recruitment; maintaining a safe work environment; employer-employee relations; compensation and benefits; labour law compliance; training and development of staff and many more. My job serves the interests of both the Employers and the Employees. My favorite moments are when I see both parties satisfied with our services.

Annie Walala

Coordinator

My name is Linasi Kamanga. I am working in Finance as an Assistant Accountant. I have worked with Beehive for a while now. Since I joined Beehive I’ve met a big family that I’m happy to be part of.

Noel Calvin Limbani

Chid Protection Officer

I’m Henry Gama. I’m working as an Assistant Accountant. I joined Beehive on 1st October 2017, as an intern and I’m now a full time employee. My job is mainly to help in the accounts department with anything that is related to my field. The thing I love about my work the most is the production of accounts that are fair, true and practicing of professional skepticism in all.

Samuel Mukhura

Extended Schools Worker

The project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
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