By Wezzie Gausi:
The Malawi Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) has partnered with Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) in a move that is expected to strengthen access to justice for women and girls, particularly survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriage.
Under the partnership, the bureau has been designated as a host institution for the 2027 CFJ Fellowship Programme, which seeks to empower young female lawyers across Africa through practical legal experience, specialised training and mentorship.
LAB Director Chimwemwe Chithope- Mwale said the partnership was expected to strengthen the institution’s capacity to handle cases involving women and children while providing opportunities for young female lawyers to develop their legal skills.
“We expect this partnership to strengthen our capacity to respond to cases involving gender-based violence through specialised expertise and the sharing of best practices. It will also provide an opportunity for young female lawyers to gain practical experience in defending the rights of women and children,” Chithope-Mwale said.
He said the bureau would use its experienced lawyers to mentor young female legal practitioners who would be placed at the institution under the programme.
“We, as an institution with over 80 lawyers, believe this fellowship will complement our existing capacity, particularly in handling cases affecting women and children. Our experienced lawyers will also provide mentorship to the fellows to help them develop the necessary skills in legal practice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Executive Secretary Habiba Osman has welcomed the partnership.
Osman said women and girls in Malawi continued to experience various forms of rights violations, including GBV, discrimination and other abuses that undermine their dignity and access to justice.
“These are the initiatives we, as a country, need,” Osman said.
Meanwhile, applications have opened for the 2027 CFJ Fellowship Programme, targeting early-career female lawyers across Africa who are interested in advancing women’s rights and promoting access to justice.