Women Judges, Rights Group Partner to Expand Justice Access
The Empowerline platform offers digital resources and support for survivors navigating the justice system.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Women Judges Association of Malawi and the Gender and Justice Unit signed a five-year partnership to strengthen access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence, writes Tionge Hara.
“We reaffirm that access to justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental right,” WOJAM President Justice Jean Kayira said on Human Rights Day.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to reach survivors, uphold the law, and ensure justice is accessible, responsive, and survivor-centred.”
Gender and Justice Unit Executive Director Sarai Chisala Tempelhoff said the partnership aligns community-driven justice with judicial leadership, creating “seamless pathways to justice” for survivors.
The partnership includes GBV mobile courts, a legal empowerment project in Dedza District and the Empowerline digital platform.
The organisations launched initial programs in Dedza, where mobile courts and legal empowerment initiatives are underway.
The announcement came as Malawi commemorated Human Rights Day, with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to timely, safe and effective justice for GBV survivors.
Mobile courts bring judicial services directly to communities, reducing travel barriers and costs for survivors seeking justice.
The legal empowerment project provides education on rights and legal processes.
The Empowerline platform offers digital resources and support for survivors navigating the justice system.