Outcome MWI_D_3.2

Spotlight Programme Outcome: Normative and policy frameworks are promoted and adapted in line with international standards, and institutions have the commitment, knowledge, and capacities to legislate, plan, implement and monitor policies to address VAWG

The draft amendment bills (The Penal Code, Child Care, Protection and Justice Act and the Gender Equality Act) were reviewed and submitted to parliament. The Penal Code was included on the list of bills to be deliberated in the November 2022 sitting of parliament (2022 Supplementary budget session) and the bill passed. Lobbying with parliamentarians shall therefore focus on the remaining two bills, namely the Child Care, Justice and Protection Act and the Gender Equality Act. The lobbying meetings are to take place during the first quarter of 2023.

Spotlight Programme Outcome: Normative and policy frameworks are promoted and adapted in line with international standards, and institutions have the commitment, knowledge, and capacities to legislate, plan, implement and monitor policies to address VAWG

UN Women Malawi Country Office through the Spotlight Initiative programme advocated for the amendment of 5 laws and 2 policies that had been identified as key for protecting women and girls from violence. The review and drafting of the 5 laws and 2 policies namely (i) The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act; (ii) The Marriage Divorce and Family Relations Act; (iii) The Child Care, Protection and Justice Act; (iv) The Gender Equality Act; (v) The Penal Code; (vi) The Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Policy; and (vii) The National Child Policy was led by the taskforce on law reform co-chaired by the MoJ and MGCDSW. As part of this process, the amendment of the Penal Code which was tabled by parliament and passed in 2022 and assented to in February 2023. The amendment of the Penal Code included the redefining of the age of a child, as a person under the age of eighteen years, and sexual offences against children and persons with mental disabilities.