Constitution of the Republic of Malawi 1994, as amended to 2020
Women’s Rights
  • English
    1. Women have the right to full and equal protection by the law, and have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender or marital status which includes the right—
    a. to be accorded the same rights as men in civil law, including equal capacity—
    i. to enter into contracts;
    ii. to acquire and maintain rights in property, independently or in association with others, regardless of their marital status;
    iii. to acquire and retain custody, guardianship and care of children and to have an equal right in the making of decisions that affect their upbringing; and
    iv. to acquire and retain citizenship and nationality.
    b. on the dissolution of marriage, howsoever entered into—
    i. to a fair disposition of property that is held jointly with a husband; and
    ii. to fair maintenance, taking into consideration all the circumstances and, in particular, the means of the former husband and the needs of any children.
    2. Any law that discriminates against women on the basis of gender or marital status shall be invalid and legislation shall be passed to eliminate customs and practices that discriminate against women, particularly practices such as—
    a. sexual abuse, harassment and violence;
    b. discrimination in work, business and public affairs; and
    c. deprivation of property, including property obtained by inheritance. (Sec. 24)
Links to all sites last visited 8 November 2023
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Chapter III on Fundamental Principles; Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter III on Fundamental Principles; Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter III on Fundamental Principles; Chapter IV on Human Rights.
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Chapter IV on Human Rights.