Many schoolgirls suffer in silence when expelled from boarding schools on allegations of bed camping—a tendency of pairing up or sharing goods often perceived as same-sex romantic relationships.
The suspects wordlessly lose their right to education, non-discrimination and dignity.
Inside sources say these allegations are mostly based on hearsay and perceived wrongdoers are exiled without being heard, contrary to Section 43 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to lawful and fair trial.
Just last year, Nyungwe Girls Catholic Secondary School in Chiradzulu District expelled eight girls on bed camping allegations. Some of them were preparing for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
No second chance. No counselling. The issue prompted Nyale Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health Governance to investigate the matter.
The findings show similar expulsions were reported in other schools, but affected learners and their families often remained silent because of shame.
A teacher at Nyungwe said: “If rules prohibit bed camping, counselling has been the first step to address the issue.
“They should have been called for a hearing, but the expelled students only learned about it after the verdict.”
The expelled group’s former schoolmate said their ejection was based more on rumours, not facts.
“The school administration planted spies to identify girls suspected of lesbian behaviour. But in most boarding schools, girls often call each other darling, bae or dear. It doesn’t mean they are having a sexual relationship,” she said.
She reckoned the pairs often share goods and beds, falling foul to unfounded rumours.
“These are intimate friendships, not sexual relationships,” said another learner.
However, the affected girls were scared to speak about their ordeal.
A staff member, who spoke under strict confidence, lamented the indelible psychological trauma faced by affected students.
The source said: “These students are viewed as bad girls and their parents cannot challenge the school authorities. But I believe it is just how adolescent girls behave.”
Physical and hormonal changes associated with puberty compel both girls and boys to engage in emotional exploration for companionship, but maybe caught on the wrong side of school regulations.
Dr Eric Umar, a psychologist at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes), said that adolescence is a critical developmental stage.
“Adolescents experiment as they form their identities. What may seem negative or inappropriate according to social norms could, in fact, be normal development. These incidents should not be grounds for automatic expulsion,” he said.
Sister Margaret Chitseko, principal of Nyungwe Girls’ Secondary School in Chiradzulu, says the expulsions were exaggerated. “Our regulations are clear: Such acts are serious breaches that warrant expulsion,” she said.
The nun conceded that there were some mistakes in handling the matter, but blamed it on media leaks and the Parents-Teachers Association.
She denied planting spies, saying the accusations came from concerned students and “the expelled girls had a history” of such behaviour from previous schools.
However, our sources called for clearer policies that distinguish adolescent development from misconduct.
There were similar allegations at Alice Gwengwe Girls Academy in Dedza, which expelled some girls for alleged ‘lesbian’ acts.
A senior director said: “While there is some element of truth in the matter, the exact number of girls expelled was two, and not 30 as alleged.”
He refused to comment further because he holds a public position he did not want to compromise.
Human rights activists say fairness must be a priority in handling such cases to avert lifelong psychosocial harm.
“Harsh treatment could lead to depression or even suicide,” cautioned Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Gift Trapence. “The school environment must be safe and conducive to learning. Whether a school is private, public or religious, the government must develop clear policies to protect learners from discrimination.”
He added: “You need solid evidence. You can’t just assume a student is a lesbian. Teachers must be trained on children’s rights,” he said.
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) executive secretary Habiba Osman indicated that if the girls were expelled due to vague accusations about lesbian acts, it was a cause for concern—a violation of their rights.
Nyale Institute executive director Dr Godfrey Kangaude cited Section 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to be heard.
In 1996, Upile Chioza dragged the governors of Mary Mount Secondary School to the High Court and the judge affirmed that fair procedures apply even to private schools.
“If the girls were not heard, then their right to procedural fairness was violated. Adolescents explore social identity, including intimacy, which is part of normal adolescent development. Disciplinary processes must be fair, especially when dealing with issues of sexuality,” said Kangaude.
The lawyer said such expulsions can be challenged in a court of law.
He recommended counselling and comprehensive sexuality education in schools.
“The Gender Equality Act recognises sexual and reproductive health rights, including bodily autonomy and decision-making in relationships,” he said.
Ministry of Education spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera has not responded to our questions three months on.
