Ladder For Rural Development Organisation

10/12/2025

Today at Mbomba Headquarters Ground, Ntchisi proved what unity looks like. As we marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, communities, leaders, and organisations came together under the theme ‘Together, Let’s Eliminate GBV Through Modern Methods in Ntchisi. From motivating speeches by traditional leaders and the MHRRC Executive Director (our Guest of Honour), to emotional drama, choir performances and Gule Wamkulu every moment carried one message,Violence is not culture.

-freeNtchisiispossiblewhenwestandtogether

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08/12/2025

Ladder for Rural and Development (LAFORD), in partnership with IPAS, CSJ, and RJNE, held a special engagement meeting with Members of Parliament aimed at strengthening understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Malawi. The session focused on providing accurate, evidence-based information aligned with national laws, including Section 19 of the Gender Equality Act (2013), which upholds every person’s right to sexual and reproductive health, informed choices about childbirth, and access to quality health services.

This collaborative effort reflects our shared commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting informed leadership, and ensuring that communities across Malawi benefit from policies that protect their health, dignity, and rights. Together, we continue working toward a future where every individual regardless of gender or location can access the information and services they need to live healthy, empowered lives.

08/12/2025

A stronger tomorrow begins with empowered leaders today, Empowering those who shape our communities. Through capacity-building sessions at T/A Kalumo, Chawanda, Thondo, and Sambakusi, we united traditional and religious leaders, LAFORD brought together key leaders to deepen their understanding of Gender, SRHR policy, and PAC guidelines. Their leadership and commitment will help create a safer, more equitable future for women, girls, and entire communities.

30/10/2025

LAFORD and Umunthu FM recently hosted an interactive training aimed at empowering journalists to report more effectively on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Salima on 28 October,2025 to 29 October,2025.

The training created space for open dialogue where journalists shared experiences, explored reporting challenges, and gained fresh insights from peers and facilitators. Participants walked away equipped with accurate information, ethical storytelling approaches, and a deeper understanding of the realities faced by marginalized communities.

Young women and girls face countless SRHR challenges with limited access to care yet their stories remain untold or misunderstood. Inaccurate reporting can deepen stigma and block access to vital services.

By fostering informed and inclusive journalism, we aim to amplify real voices, spotlight hidden struggles, and inspire policy change. Because when the media tells these stories responsibly it transforms lives.
FM

AND GIRLS

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

Our work is dedicated To improve access to SRHR services for all



FM

Ladder for Rural Development (LAFORD) and Umunthu FM have called on media practitioners to intensify awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortion in the country.

Programme Officer for LAFORD Olivia Mandalasi and project Officer for Umunthu FM Yamikani Mwawa have noted with great concern that unsafe abortion accounts for 18 percent of martenal deaths as 70 percent of women terminate pregnancies illegally in the country annually.

They made the call in Salima today during a media orientation which they organised seeking to equip journalists with knowledge on their role concerning the issue.

Meanwhile, Health Systems Officer for Ipas Africa Southern Region (ASR) Christopher Kandiomanso has concured with the two organisations.

LAFORD and Umunthu FM are implementing a two year project aimed at raising awareness on the significance of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and termination of pregnancy bill (TOP)

(by Henderson Msusa -Ntchisi:29/10/25)
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30/10/2025

The High Court of Malawi has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of AC, a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant following sexual assault and was denied access to safe abortion care.

In this case, the Center for Reproductive Rights participated as amicus curiae (friend of the court), providing legal insight on Malawi’s obligations under sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) standards. The court, in its judgment, referred to the Center’s brief and affirmed that survivors of sexual violence have an automatic right to safe abortion services under Malawian law.

The Court held that by denying AC access to such services, both the medical provider and the hospital violated her rights as protected under Sections 19(1) and 19(2) of the Gender Equality Act which guarantee the right to comprehensive SRHR, including equitable access to safe abortion and the right to full, informed choices.

Hon. Justice Michael Tembo emphasized

For the avoidance of doubt, girls like AC, who are survivors of sexual violence, are automatically entitled to an abortion to preserve their life which includes their health.

control of our sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) isn't a joke, it's a right.
to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) save lives

30/10/2025

LAFORD recently conducted project briefing meetings with Area Development Committees (ADCs) in four Traditional Authorities Thondo, Chawanda, Kalumo, and Sambakusi in Ntchisi District.

The meetings focused on the “Removal of the Barriers on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Services by Passing the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Bill into Law” project, supported by Amplify Change.

These engagements aimed to strengthen community awareness, collaboration, and advocacy on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC), SRHR, and gender equality, ensuring that all community members especially young women and girls have access to quality reproductive health services and their rights are respected.

30/10/2025

Meaningful engagement at Sangilo Lodge held a project update The engagement focused on sharing progress of Removal of the Barriers on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Services by Passing the Termination of Pregnancy Bill into Law project.

Taking control of our sexual health isn't a joke, it's a right.
access to SRHR save lives