LILONGWE—Society must deal away with cultural practices that oppress women, Pres Bingu wa Mutharika said on Saturday in remarks commemorating International Women’s Day.

He said cultural practices like chokolo, where a man marries his brother’s widow, were irrelevant in modern society.

There’s a concerted effort to bring awareness about HIV/Aids in the country as such practices can easily spread the disease.

Another practice the president said needs to change was that of forcing girls into early marriage which prevents them from going to school.

Women also have their work cut out for them.

“Government wants to continue offering women opportunities but women work against each other. That’s not progress,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, UNFPA country representative Athanase Nzokhirishaka said gender-based violence had to end.

The attacks in January on women for wearing trousers was one example of gender-based violence cited by Nzokhirishaka who appealed to “the nation to respect women.”
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