The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has raised alarm over rising violence against women and girls in the country, calling it a growing human rights concern that needs urgent action.
The warning comes as Malawi joins the world in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence.
MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said that one in every three women in Malawi has experienced sexual and physical violence, while 42 percent faces abuse from their intimate partners.
She also noted that 42 percent of girls are married before turning 18.
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“These numbers show how serious the problem is. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation and must be treated as such,” Osman said.
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She called for stronger laws, accountability, and more community involvement to protect women and girls. She also urged development partners to support efforts that amplify the voices of women, especially those from marginalised communities, as Malawi works toward approving the new African Union convention.
Deputy Director in the Ministry of Gender, Ronald Phiri, encouraged all stakeholders to support the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG) adopted in February 2025, it is the first continental legal framework focused on ending violence against women and girls.
MHRC says it will continue working with the government, and civil society to push for legal reforms and ensure Malawi meets its commitments.
“This is our moment to turn commitments into action,” Osman said.
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Board member of the NGO Gender Coordination Network Maggie Kathewera Banda , said Malawi has always joined the world from 25 November to 10 December to mark the 16 Days of Activism.
She explained that the campaign, which started in 1991, is now one of the most recognized global efforts to raise awareness and inspire action against violence targeting women and girls — at home, at work, in communities, and increasingly online.
She added that the period is important in Malawi because many cases of violence happen during this time, reminding the nation of the need to continue fighting abuse.
Recent reports show how serious the situation is. In 2023, Malawi recorded 70.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people, including 2.3 homicides per 100,000. More than 12,000 gender-based violence cases were reported in 2024, while attacks on older people — often linked to witchcraft accusations — also increased.
Surveys show the problem is widespread: 34 percent women aged 15–49 experienced physical violence, 14 percent sexual violence, and 23 percent emotional abuse
