Minister of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, says Malawi is strengthening efforts to expand access to justice for women and girls.
Delivering her general statement at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, United States of America, Navicha said access to justice is key to achieving human rights and gender equality.
She said the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, especially women and girls who play a central role in the country’s development.
Navicha said Malawi has put in place strong laws to protect women and girls.
“In 2017, the constitution of Malawi was amended to raise the minimum marriage age from 16 to 18 years for both girls and boys. Malawi continues to implement important laws such as the Gender Equality Act, the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act, and the Trafficking in Persons Act to address discrimination, harmful practices and gender based violence,” said Navicha.
The Minister added that the government has also strengthened justice services through One Stop Centres, Victim Support Units in police stations, and community paralegal services to help vulnerable people, especially in rural areas.
Navicha said social workers play an important role in supporting survivors by providing counselling, case management, child protection services and support during court processes.
She then reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to continue working with partners to promote gender equality and improve access to justice for women and girls.
