By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: Executive Director for Gender and Justice Unit (GJU), Sarai Chisala Tempelhoff, has underscored the importance of the Empowerline and GJU Strategic Plan describing it as the beginning of a new chapter that holds transformative potential for gender equality and justice in the community.

Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan on Friday at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, Tempelhoff said the 2024 - 2028 strategic plan reflects their commitment to systemic, impactful change anchored in inclusivity, innovation and resilience.

"With this roadmap as our guide, we seek to amplify voices, transform narrative and  dismantle barriers,” she said.

She said the strategic plan has three pillars that will guide their work over the next four years.

"First, we will focus on strengthening access to justice for survivors of gender based violence (GBV) through community-led approaches that blend traditional and formal justice mechanisms which will include expanding our paralegal networks and establishing more community justice centres in under-served regions.

“Second, we commit to evidence-based advocacy that challenges discriminatory policies and practices which our research agenda will directly inform policy recommendations while elevating the lived experiences of women and girls across Malawi,” she said.

She, therefore, said the third pillar will invest in building suitable institutional capacity not only within GJU but also across its partner network.

"This means developing comprehensive training programmes, establishing communities of practice and creating resource hubs that enable knowledge sharing,” she stated.

Tempelhoff empathised on the need of the project saying it offers a lifeline support, information, and referral services through a toll-free number and interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.

She said the innovation brings critical services straight to girls and boys, women and men wherever they are.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, said the launch marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to address GBV and protect the rights of women and girls.

"GBV remains a pervasive human rights abuse and public health problem in Malawi, negatively impacting individuals well being and preventing women and girls from fully participating in development processes.

“Despite existing laws, policies and structures, access to justice for survivors of GBV remains a distant dream for many Malawians,” she said.

She said the launch calls upon policymakers, civil society, traditional leaders, donors and the media to support, promote, and protect innovations like Empowerline in order to create a Malawi where justice is embraced, demanded and delivered.

She added that the strategic plan provides a clear road map for tackling gender inequality and promoting legal empowerment.

"The plan aims to hold various systems accountable and ensure that justice is not just an idea but a lived reality for every Malawian,” she said.