What we do
Advocacy, accountability and community mobilization for action on social protection
We work across four areas to make social protection in Malawi stronger, fairer and more accountable.
Our approach
Social protection is a human right. We bring civil society together:
- to advocate;
- to monitor delivery;
- to strengthen institutions and people in the communities; and
- to raise public understanding.
Advocacy
We advocate for increased funding, strong policy and legal framework that supports social protection for all.
What we push for
Sustained and increased financing; a comprehensive social protection legal framework; a dedicated budget vote in Treasury and Parliament; and a National Social Protection Commission with a seat for civil society.
How we do it
High-level policy meetings with Members of Parliament, line ministries and development partners; evidence-based research; joint review missions; and engagement during Malawi's Social Protection Week.
Who we engage
Decision-makers (MPs, Treasury, line ministries, development partners), influencers (media, community leaders, other CSOs), implementers (district social protection committees) and the people who use social protection — the beneficiaries themselves.
Social Accountability
We promote transparency and accountability in how social protection is delivered — so programmes reach the right people and grievances are heard.
Tools we use and promote
Community scorecards, social audits, citizen report cards, grievance-redress mechanisms and annual budget tracking.
A structure that reaches every level
In 2024 we developed guidelines proposing a three-tier, civil-society-led social accountability structure — Community (CSAC) → District (DSAC) → National (NSAC) committees — mirroring government structures.
working days to resolve complaints at community level
working days for referred cases
“Social accountability is a people-centred approach to demanding accountability from duty-bearers.”
Capacity Building
We coordinate and strengthen civil society, community structures and government units for effective engagement in social protection programs.
What we do
Train member organisations and the media; equip community structures at village, area and district level; run peer-learning exchange visits; and build a lasting pipeline of civil-society expertise.
Fisheries VSL groups trained on social protection
district councils where Social Protection Committees were trained
Awareness Raising
We raise public and policymaker awareness of comprehensive social protection — and challenge the myths that undermine support for it.
How we do it
Media engagements; radio and TV phone-in programmes during Social Protection Week; and district and community meetings that put accurate information directly into people's hands.
Why it matters
Better public understanding means stronger political will, wider coverage and less stigma.
Member organisations
District councils trained
Regions across Malawi
Network established
Want to strengthen social protection in Malawi?
Membership is open to organisations advocating for and delivering social protection across Malawi.
Applications are open all year and reviewed by the Secretariat on a rolling basis.
Apply for membership