Nomsa is in her final year of law school at the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. She has a particular interest in Public International law and International Human Rights law. As a young Malawian, she is a firm believer of equality and social justice. She enjoys participating in student debates and has engaged in both local and international moots. Nomsa hopes to use her law degree to improve laws and policies that support women’s rights. As a feminist, Nomsa is determined to use her legal background to tackle gender inequality.
Nomsa’s interest in a wide range of topics has led to her attend trainings and seminars on sexual and reproductive rights, disability rights and human rights. Recently undertaking work as a research assistant for one of her lecturers at University, Nomsa assisted in developing a wider curriculum for the Gender and Law course, specifically on the topic of Gender and Sexuality in Malawi. At a conference hosted by Ipas in Lilongwe, Nomsa learned about the difficulties encountered by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community when accessing healthcare. Nomsa also has a passion for advocacy and has represented her University at conferences in Africa and around the world.
Currently Nomsa is in the initial stages of creating an organization for young people, especially girls and young women. She was inspired when she made a recent visit to the maternity wing at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi. There, she was shocked to learn that most of the women dying in childbirth or abortion related complications are young girls between the ages of 14 and 16. Nomsa hopes that through her organization, she will be able to reach out to the most vulnerable girls in society. Not only will the organization help to keep girls in school, it will equip some with entrepreneurship skills and educate them about their sexual and reproductive health and HIV and AIDS.
Most recently Nomsa worked with ASAP on a project on gender-based violence (GBV) and gender equality (GE) related to HIV and AIDS. She gathered information on the country context and response in Malawi to addressing GBV and GE by the government, donors and civil society. She also researched the gaps and opportunities for a more comprehensive and appropriate response in Malawi.
I will not turn a blind eye towards injustice. I will always speak out against it and act on my words. I believe that the society we live in can become better if we are all determined to do a little more, not only for ourselves, but for others. I hope that I will inspire others to be change makers for future generations.