Post-Election Policy Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Justice
The Malawi Judiciary, through its Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE), in collaboration with UN Women Malawi, convened a Post-Election Policy Dialogue in Lilongwe today to review the Judiciary’s handling of cases of Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) during and after the 2025 electoral cycle.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Malawi Police Service, civil society organisations, Malawi Human Rights Commission, traditional leaders, and the media to reflect on lessons learned and chart forward-looking recommendations for gender-responsive justice in electoral contexts.
Reflections on the 2025 Elections
In her opening remarks, Hon. Justice of Appeal Dorothy nyaKaunda Kamanga, SC, Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, indicated that the Judiciary and UN Women began implementing the VAWE project as part of broader preparations for the 2025 general elections held on 16 September 2025. She highlighted that the project’s genesis was a 2024 stakeholder conference that identified violence against women in elections as a critical area demanding collective action from all justice sector actors.
Elections should be a time of civic empowerment for all, not fear or exclusion of women candidates or voters.
She hinted that VAWE can occur at various stages of the electoral cycle, including during voter registration, campaign rallies, polling stations, and after election results are announced and that it affects women, whether as voters, candidates, or electoral staff.
Justice Kamanga expressed gratitude to UN Women for its continued partnership and support in implementing gender justice initiatives. She also encouraged participants to engage openly and contribute toward building a more equitable and inclusive justice system.
UN Women Commends Judiciary Leadership
Delivering her keynote address, UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Letty Chiwara, commended the Malawi Judiciary for taking a proactive role in convening the discussion.
By creating a platform for reflection and engagement, the Judiciary has demonstrated its pivotal role not only in adjudicating electoral disputes but also in fostering a culture of accountability and civic trust.
She further observed that while women’s representation in Parliament increased slightly from 45 to 48 elected members, the overall percentage decreased due to constituency expansion - underscoring the need for sustained structural and institutional support to enhance women’s participation.
Ms. Chiwara also highlighted the historic milestone of nine women being nominated as running mates during the elections, including Right Honourable Jane Ansah, who now serves as the country’s Vice President.
Identifying Gaps and Strengthening Coordination
The dialogue sessions focused on reviewing case data and trends, analysing institutional challenges, and identifying systemic gaps in the handling of VAWE/P cases. Discussions also centred on strengthening collaboration among the Judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, and electoral institutions to ensure survivor-centred and inclusive justice.
About the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE)
The JCE is a Committee within the Malawi Judiciary which was established by the Honourable the Chief Justice of the Republic of Malawi, Honourable Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda, SC, to advise and recommend to the Chief Justice and the Judiciary institutional arrangements, legislative reform and administrative mechanisms, as well as measures for the efficient and effective disposal of election-related disputes.
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