EmpowerLine:
Africa’s First Toll-
Free Legal
Empowerment Platform
In a country where 34% of women have experienced physical violence and only 40% of survivors seek help, EmpowerLine is changing what’s possible. Co-created with communities and backed by the Ministry of Gender, EmpowerLine Malawi is a revolutionary mobile and toll-free platform giving survivors of violence real-time access to justice — in their language, on any device, without barriers.
Partnering with
● Problem & Vision
A justice gap too wide to ignore
Despite progressive laws, gender-based violence remains widespread in Malawi, with many survivors left unsupported due to limited access to legal information, language barriers, and stigma. Traditional tech solutions often fail rural users — relying on internet, smartphones, or English literacy. EmpowerLine bridges this gap with a platform that speaks local languages, works on any phone, and centers survivor experience.
● Our Solution: The EmpowerLine App
A multi-platform legal empowerment solution designed by and for survivors
Virtual Assistant
Get immediate assistance and answers to your legal questions. Our chatbot is available 24/7 to guide you through complex legal topics, help you find relevant resources, and offer step-by-step support.
Legal Topics
Navigate through comprehensive legal information categorized by topics like Domestic Violence, Violence Against Children, Violence in the Workplace. Easily understand the laws that protect and empower you in various situations.
Key Terms
Access a glossary of legal terms with clear explanations and tooltips. Learn the meanings behind complex legal jargon, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your understanding.
Local Language Access
Available in Chichewa, Chitumbuka, Chiyao, and English.
● Built with survivors, not just for them
EmpowerLine was co-created with paralegals, village champions, and survivors through focus groups and pilot testing. Every word, feature, and flow was shaped by real needs — not assumptions. This process ensures the platform is culturally relevant, survivor-centered, and practically useful in day-to-day life.
● Policy. Partnerships. Power
EmpowerLine isn’t just an app — it’s a movement embedded in national systems. With full endorsement from Malawi’s Ministry of Gender, the platform has been integrated into GBV response frameworks, promoted by police, judiciary, and traditional authorities, and discussed for government budget inclusion.
Launch Impact That Exceded Expectations
● Results & Reach
women and girls reached with legal support and counselling
downloads of the free EmpowerLine App
service providers trained on GBV laws and survivor-centered response
community focal points equipped to support local cases
● Built with survivors, not just for them
EmpowerLine was co-created with paralegals, village champions, and survivors through focus groups and pilot testing. Every word, feature, and flow was shaped by real needs — not assumptions. This process ensures the platform is culturally relevant, survivor-centered, and practically useful in day-to-day life.
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