LocationsHow Rural Communities and Institutions in Malawi are Reshaping Human Rights from the Ground Up
“Now We Speak with One Voice—And With Evidence”
July 23, 2025
Clan Head Aisha Alick shares how early marriage was once seen by many girls in her community as the only escape from poverty until harsh realities revealed its lasting consequences.
In Issa village, Traditional Authority Namavi in Mangochi, Clan Head Aisha Alick recalls how many girls in her community used to see early marriage as the only path out of poverty, until reality proved otherwise. Today, as a champion of girls’ rights, she has helped stop three child marriages. “And I’m not done yet,” she says with unwavering resolve.
She is part of a rising wave of local leaders and citizens reshaping Malawi’s human rights story, one decision, one voice, and one act of courage at a time.
This change is deliberate, not accidental. It results from a conscious and inclusive effort under the Strengthening Human Rights for Vulnerable Populations in Malawi project. Supported by the Governments of Norway and Iceland and carried out by UNDP in collaboration with the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the National Statistical Office (NSO), and civil society organisations, the initiative has been transforming lives across rural Malawi, from Mangochi and Nkhotakota to Salima and Mzimba.
A Justice System That Listens
Before the project, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly those in remote areas, lacked a clear route to report their cases. Delays, stigma, and weak systems hindered access to justice.
Today, that is changing. Gift Kalihe, a Child Protection Worker in Nkhotakota, recalls a time when she lacked essential tools. “No tablets, no transportation, and no access to quality data,” she says. “Today, we can capture and share accurate information in real-time. Survivors are coming forward because they see a system that works and listens.”
With a new gadget in hand, Gift Kalihe, a Child Protection Worker in Nkhotakota, reflects on a time when she lacked the tools needed to protect vulnerable children.
That system is the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Observatory Hub, a digital case management platform operated by NSO. It connects social workers, courts, health services, and police in real time, offering a single source of truth that is transforming Malawi's response to GBV.
“Now, data flows in real time,” said Lameck Million, Chief Statistician at NSO. “Cases are monitored, responses are quicker, and stakeholders have started using the same evidence to inform their actions.”
The Hub now operates across 11 districts, and its success has gained international recognition with the African Union and other regional bodies exploring it as a model for replication. It was also recently awarded as one of the top 360 digital development initiatives globally in the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2025.
Empowering the Margins
For 15-year-old Patuma Mwalabu (not her real name) in Mangochi’s Issa Village, change meant reclaiming her voice. After learning about her rights through a local awareness campaign, she refused an arranged marriage and chose to return to school. “I dream of becoming a nurse—and I won’t let early marriage stand in my way,” she says.
Her journey mirrors that of 15-year-old Rasheeda Pedulo (not her real name), who ended a harmful relationship and returned to school. Now, she mentors her peers, showing that change is possible when girls are empowered to make informed choices.
With support from trained paralegals and traditional leaders, Kola Dyton reclaimed his land in TA Mponda, Mangochi, after three years of dispossession.
In Traditional Authority Mponda, Mangochi, Kola Dyton, a man with a disability, spent three years unable to cultivate the land that was rightfully his after a relative seized it. With support from paralegals and traditional leaders trained under the project, he took a brave step: “I stood up and I got my land back.”
Even the most excluded voices are being heard. In Nkhotakota, Mary Chiimba leads a network of over 120 female sex workers. Once silenced by fear and stigma, they now understand their rights and how to defend them. “We’ve been empowered to report violations without fear,” she says. “This project has given us a voice and the courage to use it.”
In Nkhotakota, Mary Chiimba leads a network of over 120 female sex workers. Once silenced by stigma, they now know their rights and how to defend them
Bringing the Field to the Capital
On 15 July 2025, these compelling stories were brought to life in Lilongwe during a significant event hosted at the UNDP Country Office. Titled “Voices of Change – A Journey into Human Rights in Malawi”, the event included photo displays, video testimonials, and interactive discussions. Originally planned as a donor field visit, it was reimagined into a showcase of transformation, bringing the field to the capital.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Fenella Frost.
“The idea... commenced as a routine field visit... it was decided to bring the project to Lilongwe through video clips, photography, and testimonials,” said Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative. “This event enables us to engage on our shared values and to advocate for continued efforts to address human rights issues in Malawi.”
Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ms. Ingrid Mikelsen.
Speaking to a room of ambassadors, media, civil society, and NSO Commissioner, Ambassador Ingrid Mikelsen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy delivered a powerful reminder:
“Let us not forget that at the heart of this initiative is the principle of dignity, recognising that every Malawian, regardless of their gender, age, identity, or circumstance, is entitled to rights, respect, and opportunity.”
Her closing message was clear: “Let today’s meeting mark a renewed commitment... Let us return to our respective roles with a shared sense of urgency and resolve, knowing that the progress we seek is possible—if we walk this path together.”
Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland, Dr David Bjarnason.
David Bjarnason, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland, was encouraged by the stories from the field: “Today’s gathering is both encouraging and necessary. Hearing directly from those advancing human rights in Malawi allows us to reflect on where progress is taking place and where efforts must be deepened. These are not elusive ideals, they are the everyday fundamentals of a full and dignified life.”
Looking Ahead
As Malawi prepares for its Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council later this year, this project is already contributing to national and shadow reports that will shape how the country’s human rights progress is measured and supported.
Executive Secretary of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Ms. Habiba Osman.
Executive Secretary of the MHRC, Habiba Osman, used the occasion to reflect on the opportunity ahead: “The elections must give us the opportunity to reshape, reimagine, rethink the space of human rights... Let’s pull up the gains and work together to hold those who want to lead accountable.”
Indeed, the journey is far from over. But one thing is sure, across rural communities and institutions, Malawians are standing up for justice, armed with evidence, and no longer alone.
“Now we speak with one voice—and with evidence.”