Chisomo Nyemba elected new president for Women Lawyers Association

* Promises to utilize in promoting and protecting of human rights of women and children

* Matamando Chiweza is her vice-president whereas Yankho Mwandidya is the new secretary

By Victor Singano Jnr, Correspondent 

Women Lawyers Association of Malawi (WLA) has ushered in a new executive committee in the next 2 years to be led by Chisomo Nyemba as its new president.

At the elective annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday through virtual, Matamando Chiweza was trusted with the position of vice-president whereas Yankho Mwandidya is the new secretary.

Speaking in her acceptance speech, Nyemba — thanked the members for entrusting her with the position which she promised to utilize in promoting and protecting of human rights of women and children in the country.

She also pledged to assist companies in designing and implementing mechanisms that will fully protect women and children in the workplace and surrounding communities.

“It very unfortunate that women and children are the most marginalized group of society and that there is a gross violation of their rights,” she said. “Therefore, there is a need for these issues to be addressed so that they should start enjoying their human rights. 

“I know that some progress has been made in realization of women’s and children’s rights, so through this position, together with my fellow elected executive team, we’ll try our best to put extra gear to make a difference in the lives of children and fellow women.

In other positions, Melissa Kabango is research coordinator; Sandra Machinjiri is the treasurer; Sayda Kananji as the new vice-treasurer while Jacqueline Nthanthiko was elected as the body’s legal clinics coordinator.

Committee Members position went to Aggie Ngoma and Margaret Sandra Munthali while Taona Banda and Zaib Master were voted as student representatives.

Board Members positions has been given to Tapiwa Banda, Mary Anne Mpango, Hilda Soko, Martha Kaukonde and Mercy Chijere.

Nyemba holds a number of post graduate qualifications which include; Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratisation; Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law and also once served as the Legal Aid Coordinator for Blantyre Chapter between 2017-2018.

She is also a member of the Malawi Law Society’s events committee; faculty member for Justice Advocacy Africa and and an advocacy trainer.

She highlighted that she is well aware that there will be a number of challenges but she is eager to work hard in addressing the pressing issues facing women and children in the country as well as their profession.