LILONGWE, MALAWI — The Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWiM), in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, held a hybrid consultation on Friday, August 15, 2025, to review the draft Social Work Practitioners Bill. The event, held at Mafumu Hotel, gathered social workers from across the country and the Malawian diaspora to gather their input on the proposed legislation.
The bill aims to regulate and professionalize social work in Malawi by ensuring that only certified and licensed practitioners are allowed to practice.
The ASWiM President Chisangalalo Ntonio, said, ”this is a critical step to protect clients from unqualified individuals who are currently practicing and even establishing organizations. Once the bill is passed, these practices will be a thing of the past.”
Renowned social worker Joseph Kalero-Phiri praised the consultation as a positive step toward creating a more inclusive law. He emphasized the need for wider consultations to include diverse groups of practitioners and service users, especially those working with people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
Enock Bonongwe, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, stated that the government is committed to passing the bill to make social work in Malawi more recognized and impactful.
The Social Work Practitioners Bill is being reviewed with support from UNICEF and legal counsel from Chancy Gondwe.