LICO is committed to advancing gender equality and safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women and children in Malawi. Gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, exploitation, and harmful social norms remain widespread, undermining human rights and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Studies indicate that one in five girls and one in seven boys experience sexual violence, often repeatedly, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and limited access to justice. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by early marriage, economic dependency, and discriminatory cultural practices, while children with disabilities face heightened vulnerability to abuse and neglect.

​

In response, LICO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 places gender equality and child protection at the centre of its programming through integrated prevention and response strategies. LICO adopts proven, child-centred approaches that address both the root causes of violence and the immediate protection needs of children, while promoting safer schools and communities.

​

A core focus of LICO’s prevention work is transforming harmful gender norms among children. Drawing from the “Peace is a Decision” approach, LICO works with boys to promote non-violence, respect, accountability, and positive masculinity. Through school- and community-based platforms such as He for She clubs, boys are encouraged to reject violence, challenge peer pressure, and become advocates for peaceful behaviour and gender equality.

​

At the same time, LICO strengthens the protection and confidence of girls through self-defense training, equipping them with practical skills to recognise danger, assert boundaries, and protect themselves from abuse. These sessions are complemented by education on children’s rights, personal safety, and reporting mechanisms, ensuring girls are empowered both physically and socially.

LICO reinforces these efforts through awareness campaigns using Edu-Toys, community dialogues, and radio programs, which engage parents, caregivers, teachers, and traditional leaders in promoting child protection and gender equality. These platforms help shift community attitudes, encourage early reporting of abuse, and reinforce collective responsibility for child safety.

​

To strengthen access to justice, LICO collaborates with law enforcement, social welfare, and justice sector institutions to support timely response to GBV and child abuse cases. Through mobile court sessions, justice is brought closer to communities, reducing barriers to reporting and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Survivors are supported through referral pathways linking them to medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and social protection services.

​

At community level, LICO builds the capacity of women’s forums, child protection committees, community victim support units, and traditional leadership structures to prevent, identify, and respond to abuse cases effectively. These structures play a critical role in early intervention, survivor support, and sustaining child-friendly and gender-responsive community norms.

​

Special attention is given to children with disabilities, who face heightened risks of abuse and exclusion. LICO provides inclusive protection support, including self-defense training adapted to ability, assistive devices, and linkages to essential social services. Gender equality is mainstreamed across all LICO programs to ensure women and girls have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making spaces.