On 25 November, the Constitutional Court of Malawi heard a case challenging the constitutionality of Section 17 of the Married Women’s Property Act, which permits courts to deny women their right to property at the time of divorce if they have not made a monetary contribution to that property.  SALC intervened as an amicus (friend of court) in the matter. The Court specifically heard arguments on whether the applicants had standing and is expected to issue its decision on this issue on 16 December.

SALC’s submission focused on the link between women’s vulnerability to HIV and women’s equal access to property.  SALC has been working with the Women and Law in Southern Africa-Malawi on the case. 

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