The Women Lawyers Association (WLA), an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of women in Malawi, has called for immediate action against judicial officers suspected of corruption.
In a press statement dated October 15, 2024, WLA expressed deep concern over persistent allegations of corruption within the judiciary. The statement follows a social media post by Alexious Kamangila, which sparked widespread public condemnation.
“WLA joins the call for action to rid the judiciary of corruption and demands a gender-responsive approach to eradicate it,” the statement reads.
WLA highlighted that women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, are disproportionately affected by corruption in the judiciary. Many women seek justice in cases related to domestic violence, child custody, inheritance, and sexual abuse, and corruption in the courts undermines their access to fair treatment.
“When corruption infiltrates the judiciary, it skews justice in favor of those with power, wealth, or influence, leaving women disproportionately disadvantaged,” the statement continued.
The association emphasized that corruption infringes on women’s constitutional right to equality before the law, as guaranteed under Section 20 of Malawi’s Constitution. It also violates their right to access justice and effective remedies under Section 4.
“Corruption emboldens perpetrators of violence against women and girls by enabling them to escape accountability. This hinders progress toward gender equality and prevents women from realizing and enforcing their rights,” WLA asserted.
The group called for the immediate enactment of the Judicial Reform Bill, urging both the executive and legislature to pass supporting regulations. They emphasized that these reforms must be gender-responsive, with protective measures for whistleblowers.
The WLA also demanded immediate disciplinary action against judicial officers suspected of corruption, urging the Judicial Service Commission to exercise its mandate under Section 118 of the Constitution.
Finally, the association called for the mainstreaming of gender-responsive approaches in anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing the need to address how corruption uniquely impacts women and children. WLA proposed the integration of gender justice training, focusing on issues such as sextortion and the specific vulnerabilities women face in the judicial system.
Failure to address these issues, they warned, would perpetuate gross injustice in Malawi.
