Amal Clooney, co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, launched an initiative through which her foundation partnered with the University of Malawi (UNIMA). The goal of this collaboration is to provide fully funded law scholarships for 30 girls, aimed at strengthening access to justice and increasing the number of qualified lawyers in Malawi.
As part of this partnership, the foundation will also establish a fully funded internship program for early-career lawyers. These interns will work alongside the Clooney Foundation for Justice and its partner, the Women Lawyers Association Malawi, focusing specifically on protecting the rights of women and children who are victims of violence.
Amal Clooney emphasized that the scholarship program will give talented young women the opportunity to study at Malawi's leading legal institution. She stated: 'I am so proud to launch this new Scholarship Program at the University of Malawi, so that brilliant young women in Malawi can now study law at the country's best law school.'
Furthermore, Clooney noted that the internship program will support efforts to expand access to justice for women and children across the country. She added: 'And I am delighted that our new Internship Program will help the University expand access to justice for women and children across the country, starting now and for many years to come.'
The foundation reported that both programs—the scholarship and the internship—are designed to increase the pool of qualified lawyers while investing in a new generation of legal professionals dedicated to advancing justice.
This initiative unites UNIMA, the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and the Women Lawyers Association Malawi to enhance legal capacity and support vulnerable women and children seeking justice. The foundation described this partnership as part of its broader mission to 'advance justice' by supporting individuals whose rights have been violated.
The engagement began with a visit to the University's reception, where the Clooney delegation met with UNIMA Deputy Dean, Dr. Sunduzwiyo Madise. Madise welcomed the delegation and highly praised CFJ's contribution to supporting young women and ensuring access to justice in Malawi. He stressed the importance of linking legal education with the real needs of communities and noted that this partnership will strengthen UNIMA's contribution to justice, especially concerning women and children.
He also welcomed the internship program as an opportunity to enhance practical legal education and provide young lawyers with public interest experience. Later, the delegation held a joint meeting with students in the Law Hall. Students shared their views on legal education and access to justice, and discussed ways young lawyers can help address issues affecting women and children.
The partnership was officially launched in the Great Hall during an event that included a moderated panel discussion on legal education, access to justice, and the role of young lawyers in protecting women and children.