Gender and Justice Unit (GJU) has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with key institutions to strengthen access to legal and psychosocial services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in 11 districts across Malawi.
The agreement brings together GJU, the Women Judges Association of Malawi (Wojam), the Legal Aid Bureau, National Initiative for Civic Education Trust, Trust Psychosocial Support Services and Malawi Police FM in a coordinated effort to address justice gaps affecting women and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lilongwe on Friday, GJU executive director Sarai Chisala Tempelhoff said the partnership aims to tackle barriers that prevent many women, especially those in rural communities, from accessing justice.
She said the collaboration will support the implementation of the Empowerline Plus Project, an initiative to provide simplified legal information and services through digital platforms and community-based interventions.
“Survivors will be able to access legal information and report abuse through the Empowerline mobile application and the toll-free helpline 4285,” said Tempelhoff.
She said the online clinic has handled about 1 700 cases since its launch in April last year.
Wojam Malawi executive director Justice Fiona Mwale said the association remains committed to ensuring justice services reach underserved communities.
She said the use of mobile and camp courts under the partnership will help reduce barriers to justice, particularly in remote areas.
Legal Aid Bureau director Chimwemwe Mwale emphasised the importance of collaboration among institutions in addressing GBV.
“Gender-based violence remains a major challenge in Malawi. Through this partnership, we are working together to ensure that survivors have access to justice,” he said.
With funding from Irene M. Stahelin Foundation, the project seeks to empower women and children with knowledge of their legal rights.
