Counsel Mkomera Kamoto during an awareness activity in Salima
Community members and traditional leaders have commended the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) for conducting legal awareness activities in their areas, describing the messages delivered as enlightening and impactful.
The awareness campaigns were recently conducted in the districts of Machinga, Mzimba, Nsanje, and Salima, where LAB partnered with the Law Commission to address issues affecting communities, particularly those related to gender-based violence, children, and youth.
In Senior Group Mpomba’s area in Nsanje District, Malita Chidyaonga, a businesswoman and mother of two, said she had long been curious about the extent to which courts intervene in resolving divorce cases.
“We have also heard that within a family, there is supposed to be a will that guides the distribution of property when someone dies. Can anyone write a will?” Chidyaonga asked during one of the awareness sessions she attended.
Speaking during the Nsanje session, Senior Legal Aid Advocate Marion Gondwe explained that LAB assists in various legal matters, including divorce proceedings and the preparation of wills.
“A lot of things can go wrong if one dies without leaving a will. In most cases, children and women suffer from property grabbing, even though they are supposed to be the primary beneficiaries,” she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Senior Legal Aid Advocate Brenda Khwale during an awareness campaign held in Machinga District in Senior Chief Ntaja’s area. She reiterated that LAB plays a significant role in protecting women against violence.
“There are instances where all one may need is a protection order to stop abuse. We are a better option for assistance because we aim to support people who lack sufficient means to hire private lawyers,” Khwale said.
A key highlight of the campaigns was a joint session conducted by LAB and the Law Commission with inmates at Nsanje Prison, where over 280 prisoners were reached. Following the information-sharing exercise, legal practitioners in attendance recorded statements from inmates seeking assistance with bail applications and legal advice.
In Salima District, awareness sessions were held at Salima Primary School and Maganga Primary School, where a large number of pupils attended. After engaging the learners on their rights and how to assert them, Maganga Primary School Head Teacher, Mr. Kaipa, applauded the initiative.
“With this initiative, children will grow up with knowledge of the law and their rights. This reinforces the principle that ignorance of the law is no defence in a court of law,” he said.
The awareness activities were supported by UNDP Malawi under the project “Bridging the Justice Gap: Strengthening Legal Access for Marginalized Communities in Malawi.” The project is implemented through the Justice Action Coalition Initiative, with funding from Germany and the Netherlands
- 1 view