CRIDOC and SAT Youth Hub (YH) conducted an Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Consultation Meeting on July 27, 2018, at the Lilongwe Wild Life Centre. The meeting aimed to educate AGYW about the youth policies and legislation that govern their issues in Malawi, which aligns with the Global Fund Project. The consultation also aligns with the National Strategy for Adolescent Girls and Young Women 2018 – 2022.

There were 31 participants, including six men and 27 women. The meeting’s facilitator provided a detailed orientation to the participants on youth policies and legislation in Malawi. These policies included the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan and the National HIV and AIDS Prevention Strategy. It also had the National Gender Policy, the National Education Policy, and the National Girls Strategy. Furthermore, the National Youth Policy, the National SRHR Strategy, and the National Adolescent Strategy were also some of the policies.

He also highlighted the importance of these youth policies and legislation in protecting AGYW’s rights and well-being.

Additionally, the facilitator noted that several laws were on the agenda, including the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Act, the Child Care Protection and Justice Act, the Family, Relations, Marriage, and Divorce Act, and the Republican Constitution of Malawi. He emphasized that these laws were crucial in ensuring AGYW’s access to health services, education, and legal protection.

The meeting also discussed the institutions responsible for AGYW programming, including the recently launched inter-ministerial committee composed of the Ministries of Gender, Education, Health, and the Police. The facilitator provided a detailed overview of the AGYW strategy and each ministry’s implementation role.

He also highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Youth’s leadership in coordinating efforts to ensure AGYW’s access to essential services and protection. 

Finally, the meeting aimed to form the AGYW task force and develop an advocacy roadmap for engaging with key stakeholders. The participants were encouraged to contribute their ideas and suggestions to build a comprehensive and effective advocacy plan.