We are champions for rights and sustainable development
For Rights is a non-profit organization working to protect and empower marginalized communities- particularly children, youth and women - by advancing human rights and sustainable development.
Who We Are
For Rights is a non-governmental human rights and legal empowerment organization
working to promote access to justice and the protection of human rights in Malawi. The
organization works at the intersection of law, advocacy, and community empowerment
advancing rights awareness through advocacy, legal empowerment, research, and
community education. For Rights works with women, girls, children, refugees,
prisoners, and other marginalized and vulnerable communities with a focus on
strengthening accountability and ensuring that human rights are respected, protected,
and promoted for all.
Our Focus Areas
01.
Legal Literacy & Community Education
In many rural communities in Malawi, access to legal information is limited by low literacy levels,
poverty, distance to courts and legal institutions, and reliance on customary justice systems.
Many people are unaware of their constitutional rights, existing laws, or where to seek help
when rights are violated. Disputes are often resolved informally, sometimes in ways that
disadvantage vulnerable individuals.
02.
Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Around 1 in 3 women in Malawi experience physical and/or sexual violence in their
lifetime, a major human rights and public health concern. In 2024 alone, over 12,000 cases of
GBV were officially reported, with many more going unreported due to stigma and
fear.https://malawi.un.org/en/290428-international-womens-day-statement-all-women-and-girls-r
ights-equality-and-empowerment
Women and girls in rural Malawi often face systemic discrimination driven by poverty, harmful
cultural practices, early marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to education and
justice services. Despite existing legal protections, enforcement remains weak, and many
women and girls lack the knowledge or support to seek redress.
03.
Child Protection and Ending Violence Against Children
Children in rural areas face high risks of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and early marriage.
Approximately 38% of girls in Malawi are married before the age of 18 — meaning nearly 4
in 10 young women enter into marriage while still
childrenhttps://www.girlsnotbrides.org/learning-resources/child-marriage-atlas/regions-and-cou
ntries/malawi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com . About 8% of girls are married before age 15. There
are over 2.5 million women and girls in Malawi who were first married before age 18
https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/cp/child-marriage/Child-marriage-profile_MWI.pdf?ut
m_source=chatgpt.com . Limited awareness of child protection laws, weak reporting systems,
and social acceptance of harmful practices often result in underreporting and continued
violations. https://malawi.unfpa.org/en/topics/child-marriage-6?utm_source=chatgpt.com
04.
Rights of Female Prisoners
Female prisoners in Malawi face unique challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate
healthcare, limited access to legal support, and separation from children. Rural detention
facilities often lack resources and gender-responsive services, increasing vulnerability to rights
violations.
05.
Youth Leadership for Social Justice
Youth in Malawi face significant barriers to meaningful participation in social, economic, and
political life, despite comprising over half of the country’s population. Despite being deeply
affected by social justice challenges, many lack platforms to engage meaningfully in advocacy
and governance. High levels of unemployment exacerbate marginalization, with more than 53%
of young people actively seeking work and fewer than 1 in 10 holding formal employment.
Economic insecurity limits their ability to engage in community initiatives or access leadership
opportunities.
Partners
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.