Habiba Osman

Habiba Rezwana Osman is a Malawian lawyer specializing in human rights, gender, and governance. She has served since November 2020 as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Human Rights Commission.

Early life and education

Osman holds a dual honours degree in Bachelor of Laws and International History from Keele University in the United Kingdom. She also completed the Legal Practice Course at Chester School of Law, UK. She holds a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law from the Centre for Civil and Human Rights at Notre Dame Law School in the United States.

Career

Osman was appointed Executive Secretary of the Malawi Human Rights Commission effective 1 November 2020. Before leading the MHRC, she worked with UN Women Malawi, holding senior positions including Thematic Leader for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls programme, heading the Human Rights portfolio, and later the Gender Based Governance team.
During her tenure, the Commission was accredited by the International Conference of Information Commissioners, a global forum for information commissioners.
In January 2023, the MHRC launched an investigation into the arrest of Anti‑Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma after complaints that her rights were violated during the arrest. When media reports suggested the investigation had been suspended, Osman clarified that it was only pending appointment of additional commissioners, not formally halted.
The MHRC has raised concerns about the treatment of pre‑trial detainees, citing issues like remand overcrowding, abuse in custody, and delays in court processing. In 2012, she was arrested and detained for protesting governance issues under the previous regime.

Awards and recognition

Osman was recognized among Malawi's Top 100 Women by the Office of the Ombudsman. She received an Achievement Award from the Malawi Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security for her work on human trafficking.
In 2022, Osman received the Woman of the Year Substance Award in the Human Rights category from Ritz Attorneys.
She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the USA-based nonprofit organization SciArtsRUs.
In 2017, she was honored by Vital Voices as a Fellow for her work in human rights and gender equality.