Malawian women participate in state politics – but not to the extent that they could.
Formal state politics is represented as a masculine domain, and only a small minority
of women find space within this sphere. In seeking to explore reasons why this is the
case, a qualitative study was conducted. Fifteen women from the areas of Zomba,
Lilongwe and Blantyre, who have been active in state politics over the years, offered
in-depth insights into the limits and constraints inhibiting women’s involvement in
politics. In general the women cited the constraints of cultural beliefs, socialisation
processes, a lack of support amongst women themselves, low economic and
educational statuses and generally negative attitudes towards women’s involvement in
politics, which taken together weave a larger context that keeps women in positions of
subordination. Notwithstanding such constraints, the few women who are active in
politics are displaying much resilience and agency, and refer to themselves as driven
and committed to serve developmental and public projects. Whilst policy guidelines
encourage women’s political participation, societal impediments mean that political
parties do not actively encourage women to get involved or stand as candidates. This
study contributes to a growing body of literature on gender and women’s lives in the
African context and to case studies revealing women’s efforts to empower themselves
despite the negative effects of stereotyping, discrimination and gender inequality in
patriarchal society.
© University of Pretoria 2007
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