Women Lawyers Association Equips Legal Professionals to Support Gender-Based Violence Survivors
The training brought together public and private lawyers, as well as law students, with support from the Clooney Foundation for Justice project.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The Women Lawyers Association (WLA) has conducted legal clinic training to empower lawyers to assist clients who are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly women and children in Malawi, as part of the Clooney Foundation for Justice project, writes Judgement Katika.
Matamando Chiweza, Vice President of WLA, spoke during the training session in Lilongwe, emphasising that this training equips lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of human rights based on international standards, which can then be applied within the Malawian context.
Chiweza explained, "While Malawi has its own laws, the issue often lies in implementation. This training aims to enable lawyers to not only understand these laws but also establish a platform for legal professionals to collaborate in bringing these laws into practical effect within Malawi."
Furthermore, Chiweza highlighted that lawyers are key responders under the Clooney Foundation for Justice project, where they will work with various clients, particularly survivors of GBV.
The training equips them with the necessary skills to handle and support these clients professionally and effectively.
She also noted that although WLA has been active in urban areas, the foundation's support will enable them to extend their reach to rural areas, ensuring justice is accessible to women and children across the country.
Atupele Masanjala, a project lawyer for WLA, explained that the training focuses on capacity building for lawyers involved in human rights associations.
They aim to address cases related to child marriage, GBV, and sexual harassment.
The training covers aspects of international and national laws pertaining to these issues.
Masanjala elaborated, "The training helps lawyers understand the legal frameworks around sexual issues at both national and international levels. In the next session, we will delve into the meaning of strategic mitigation and how to conduct interviews with clients who have experienced trauma."
Grace Mtawali, a lawyer who participated in the training, emphasised the importance of these efforts in providing legal services to disadvantaged individuals who lack the resources to access legal representation.
She noted that the Constitution grants everyone the right to access justice.
The training brought together public and private lawyers, as well as law students, with support from the Clooney Foundation for Justice project.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of legal professionals to address GBV and related issues, ultimately contributing to the protection and empowerment of women and children in Malawi.