Secretariat

Executive Director

Alfred Phiri

Alfred Kajowola PHIRI, a graduate of the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic with a degree in Education (Business Studies), stands as a beacon of change. As the Executive Director of the Women Lawyers Association (WLA), Alfred infuses his role with extensive experience and a fervent commitment to social transformation.

Alfred’s compassion extends beyond his professional pursuits. He is resolute in amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, ensuring their narratives are heard and their rights upheld.

His commitment and dedication are invaluable assets to WLA, resonating with potential donors, partners, and employers who share his passion for transformative social progress.

Before his role at WLA, Alfred played a pivotal part in disaster relief within Malawi’s eastern region. Collaborating with Emmanuel International, he orchestrated the mobilization and distribution of crucial resources, aiding survivors of natural calamities with essentials like food and cash assistance. He has also offered, services in management consultancy, capacity building trainings and research to different organizations in Malawi at the time he was the Training and Projects Manager for F&N Business Consultants Ltd.

Project lawyer

Atupele Masanjala

Atupele Masanjala was called to the Bar in 2018 after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from the University of Malawi. She also holds a Master of Laws Degree in International Trade Law from the University of Cape Town. Atupele has worked in a private law firm and at Standard Bank as a legal officer. Apart from her current role as WLA’s lawyer, Atupele is also a lecturer at the University of Malawi. Atupele brings a wealth of knowledge in areas such as commercial law, contract law and financial services law and she is passionate about the intersection between women’s rights and commercial and financial law. Accordingly, her aim is, through WLA, to increase financial literacy and enhance economic development of underprivileged Malawian women.

Fellow (lawyer)

Hazel Miseleni

Hazel Olithia Miseleni joins the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship from Malawi and will be hosted by the Women Lawyers Association. She holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College and an Advanced Masters in International Children’s Rights from Leiden University, the Netherlands. Hazel has worked as a Principal Legal Aid Advocate for the Malawi Legal Aid since 2018. As of February 2023, she also joined the Department of Law of the Catholic University, Malawi, as a Lecturer. Hazel has devoted much of her time and efforts to representing women and children in criminal and civil cases in some of the most remote areas in Malawi. Through collaborations with Irish Rule of Law International and UN Women through the Spotlight Initiative, Hazel participated in awareness campaigns and legal clinics in peri-urban and hard to reach areas. Furthermore, she has substantial experience in conducting Camp Courts through which she has managed to secure bail for individuals that are in remand for longer than the prescribed pre-trial custody time limits.

Paralegal

Patience Jere

Patience S. Jere is an experienced and dedicated Paralegal at Women Lawyers Association whose main responsibilities include drafting legal documents, conducting interviews with potential clients and assisting with legal research. Previously Patience has worked as a Legal Assistant for number of Law firms

Accountant

Jacqueline Supply

Jacqueline Supply Gulaimfa is an accountant with 3 years’ experience in financial management and management accounting. She has strong background in costing, budgeting and forecasting and administration. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (MAGU), a Diploma in Accounting (ICAM) and Certificate in Accounting (ICAM). She is innovative and goal oriented with excellent stakeholder relationship management and staff motivation skills. Jacqueline is a strong leader who understands the complexities of risk management and internal controls. Being proficient in analyzing financial performance, her focus is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of Women Lawyers Association’s financial transactions and preparing accurate and timely financial reports for Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, donors and members for decision making.

Office Assistant

Elita Mwale

Dedicated and highly organized Office Assistant with a background in law and a professional experience in gender issues. Former Programs Officer for European Union Spotlight Initiative project at NGO Gender Coordination Network. Former Bank teller and Customer Consultant at Opportunity International Bank Malawi. Fellow of the Emerging Civil Society Leaders under Youth and Society (YAS )
Diploma in Law with ICM UK and currently a 2nd Year LLb student with Cavendish University Zambia, With the ability to comprehend legal terminology and effectively contribute to the organization’s mission. Proficient in office management, record-keeping, and document preparation, scheduling appointments, coordinating administrative tasks with good verbal and written communication skills and maintaining an orderly office space
Certificate in Digital Security from Digital Society of Africa ( DSA )
Commitment to Equality; Passionate about supporting gender equality initiatives within the legal profession, committed to advancing gender equality in the legal field through meticulous administrative support and understanding of legal principles.
I am dedicated to contributing to the success of Women Lawyers Association of Malawi by providing essential support that furthers the organization’s mission.