Clooney Foundation and Malawi Government partner to improve justice for women

The Malawi Government and the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) are strengthening their collaboration to improve legal access for women and girls, specifically targeting survivors of gender-based violence and child marriage. During a meeting in Lilongwe, officials discussed strategies to remove barriers for vulnerable populations in rural and hard-to-reach communities, such as high legal costs and long distances to courts.

Key initiatives include strengthening legal services, training magistrates, and utilizing technology to expand justice access. The CFJ has been operating in Malawi for five years, partnering with local entities like the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi and the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (Chreaa).

Additionally, the CFJ is offering its 2027 Waging Justice for Women Fellowship. This program funds ten early-career women lawyers to work within human rights and justice organizations in countries including Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, and The Gambia. The fellowship provides practical experience in legal research, client support, and court representation to help advocate against violence and child marriage.