Advancing Equality, Justice & Education in Malawi

We were joined by Malawian experts to hear how legal empowerment can be a catalyst for gender equality and broader social and justice in Malawi, alongside insights into the transformative work being undertaken in inclusive education. The discussion brought together practitioners working directly with communities, offering practical perspectives on how systems can better serve those most at risk of exclusion.

Human rights lawyer Sarai Chisala-Tempelhoff - Founder & Executive Director of the Gender and Justice Unit (GJU) shared the work of the Gender Justice Unit, highlighting a model that goes beyond legal representation to focus on full legal empowerment. She explained that many women face barriers not only in accessing justice, but in understanding their rights in the first place. Through initiatives such as a toll-free helpline, community-based support structures, mobile legal clinics, and mobile courts, their approach creates a clear pathway from awareness to action. This ensures that justice is not distant or inaccessible, but something that can be realised within communities. Central to this work is the idea that legal systems must be responsive to people’s everyday realities, particularly where cultural norms may conflict with legal rights.

Link Education’s Executive Director - Malawi, Harold Kuombola spoke about the work of Link Education Malawi, focusing on improving access to quality, inclusive education for all children. He outlined how the organisation works in partnership with government to strengthen national systems, including the development of school quality standards used across the country. A strong emphasis is placed on using data at the school level to drive improvement, alongside targeted support for out-of-school children and young people through accelerated learning and skills development programmes. He also highlighted the importance of inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities and other marginalised groups are not left behind. The overall approach is centred on not just access to education, but meaningful learning outcomes and long-term opportunity.

MaSP CEO, Linda Dembo reflected on the broader context, noting that while Malawi has made important progress in areas such as girls’ education and legal frameworks, challenges remain in implementation. She emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between policy and lived experience, and highlighted the value of locally-led approaches. She also underscored the role of Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) in supporting and amplifying this work, acting as connectors that enable knowledge sharing and collaboration rather than directing solutions.

In closing, SMP CEO Stuart Brown reinforced the importance of continued partnership and collaboration, recognising the impactful, community-driven work being carried out across Malawi. He encouraged ongoing engagement and learning, and highlighted the need to continue supporting approaches that are rooted in local knowledge and leadership.

Video Recording

Missed the event? You can watch the recording and below timestamps

00:00 Welcome remarks, Nasim Vadalia - SMP Comms & Engagement Lead
01:25 Opening remarks, Dorothea Nelson - SMP Membership Lead
03:18 Presenation, Sarai Chisala-Tempelhoff - Founder & Executive Director of the Gender and Justice Unit (GJU).
12:23 Presentation, Harold Kuombola - Link Education’s Executive Director - Malawi
28:48 Remarks, Linda Dembo - CEO MaSP
36:59 Q & A
01:08:52 Closing remarks, Stuart Brown - SMP CEO