National Policy Change, Local Impact? Women in Malawi Evaluate their Rights

• In Event: Democratic Consolidation and the Effects of Democratization in Africa

Abstract

Over the past twenty years, Malawi has undergone a drastic political and social transition. Nowhere is this made more evident than in the sweeping changes to women’s rights. Education reform aimed at keeping girls in school, a complete restructuring of marriage and divorce laws, adoption of comprehensive gender-based violence laws, gender quota systems in government hiring—all these actions seek to elevate the status of women in Malawi. Using original survey data, this article examines the impact twenty years of human rights advancements have had on the lives of women in Malawi. How effectively has the government implemented these new laws at the grassroots level? Does the typical Malawian woman understand her rights? Does she feel that her rights are protected? The results of the survey indicate that, across Malawi, very little has been done to educate women about their rights. Most women do not know human rights laws even exists, let alone that they could seek out government assistance to have these rights enforced. Thus, much more needs to be done by the Malawian government to ensure that vital information about human rights—for men and women—is made available to all Malawians.

Author

• Emily Maiden, University of North Florida