Traditional norms contributing to spousal killing- Phiri

Elizabeth Phiri

Kanyama Member of Parliament Elizabeth has expressed concerned with the increase in cases of spousal killing in the country.

Ms. Phiri says the issue of spousal murder, as an extreme manifestation of domestic violence, cannot be ignored, and requires a firm response.

She also says culture among the different tribal groups is to blame for the increasing cases of sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.

The law maker says this is because some retrogressive customs deprive women and girls of the right to make their own decisions on sexuality issues.

Ms. Phiri has emphasized that the old customs are a manifestation of gender inequality in different parts of the country.

And ms. Phiri has urged in depth – pre-marriage counseling by the different religious faiths to expose the youth to the stark realities of marriage.

She has advised young couples to exercise restraint and seek wise counseling when they encountered marital problems.

This she said would go a long way to reduce the increasing spousal killings among youthful couples in the country.