In 2023, TrialWatch, the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA), and the University of Southern California Gould School of Law International Human Rights Clinic (USC IHRC) interviewed 63 women imprisoned for violent offenses in nine Malawian prisons.
The research revealed their unique vulnerabilities—nearly half had acted in self-defense or in the context of gender-based violence (GBV) and were themselves survivors. We also found systemic rights violations—including lack of counsel, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gender discrimination—underscoring the urgent need for justice reform.
At each stage of the process, our research reveals a lack of gender sensitivity towards women who were GBV survivors, insufficient access to lawyers, and an average pre-trial detention period that was 4 times the legal limit.
Future stakeholder discussions on these core issues will be critical to ensuring the justice system reflects Malawi’s own laws and international commitments.
