A Case Study of Refugee Women in Malawi

• Analyses the status, role and pattern of activities of Mozambican refugee women and men; to relate such status, role and pattern of activity to the impact of existing refugee policies and programmes and consequently to suggest practicable policy and programme measures which would potentially alleviate adverse conditions faced by refugee women. Within each of the two sampling areas, seven discrete population clusters were identified, for each of which 30 household interviews were conducted. Chiumbangame area had a population of 15,000 while Mwawa had 4,000 inhabitants. 25 potential sample areas of 4 Km Sq were identified for the survey. The study involved four discrete means of data collection. Community profiles, a household survey, detailed individual studies of refugee women and men and a time analysis of refugee's daily schedules. A household survey form was completed for each sample household by a trained enumerator with local language fluency. Informants were generally heads of household. Detailed, more open-ended interviews were conducted with a focal sample of 20 refugees. The study found out that the majority of households originated from the Mozambican district immediately adjacent to their current locations. The average family had been in Malawi for five years at the time of the survey. Seventeen percent (17%) of the respondents were drawn from female-headed households. There were clear gender differences with respect to access to education. Girls displayed a lower rate of school registration and a higher rate of attrition once in school. There are marked differences in the patterns of productive activity by men and women. In general, men are more likely to be engaged in activities of a specific income-generating nature, whilst women tended to work longer hours (mostly in household focused activities). Such gender differentiation in work patterns is in evidence from early childhood. In terms of health, there was no significant difference in the frequency of reported health problems between men and women.

Location: CSR/CCL-MC, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Gender and Development in Malawi: The Feasibility of Water Filtration in a Rural Community.

• Reviews current knowledge and awareness of water in relation to health and sanitation.The sample included the village headman, the traditional healer, males and females of the village. Three main methods of data collection were used, namely, interviewing key informants, participation observation and focus group discussions. In the female focus group discussions, the women had two major concerns regarding the present water supply: the scarcity of water and its extremely poor quality. They walked long distances to get water from the wells alongside the river. The women were extremely worried about the illness that they could get from poor water supply. Boiling water was accepted as being important for good health. Only a minority were oblivious to the reasons and importance of boiling water. As a mater of fact in both male and female focus group discussion concern was raised concerning (a) distance to source of water, (b) poor water supply, (c) water-related illness and (d) scarcity of water in the dry season.

Location: CCL-MC, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

161 Bergh, C Van den (1993)

Fuelwood Availability and Women's Work in the Dry Season.

• The study gathered data on the subject of women, fuelwood and time allocation. A randomly selected sample of 200 households was used in this study. The sample was selected from 4 villages, namely Magola, Chimpaza, Kachinjika and Munso. The four villages were selected based on distance to forest reserve, total time spent on fuelwood collection. All the four villages are in Ntcheu District. Two main methods were used to collect data - the dairy method and the observation method. However, in addition to these two methods, individual interviews were also conducted.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Bases of Women's Influence in the Rural Malawian Domestic Group.

• Examines the major bases of influence in the Malawian domestic group, and circumstances under which women hold the greatest potential for influence. The sample for this study was made up of twelve female informants representative of a variety of tribal backgrounds, household types, and age. These were residents of Mazinga and Mkwinda villages who considered themselves as head of their own domestic unit either all or most of the time. One was widowed and two were divorced. All had born at least one child. A variety of methods were used to collect data for this survey. This included a combination of the life history techniques and the participants observation technique. Focus group discussions were also used in collecting data. The enumerators recorded observations of the daily activities of the informants. Key informants were also used to gather additional data. There are certain distinctive social organisation features in Chewa society that are closely linked to the amount and scope of women's influence:- the mbumba system, uxorilocal residence after marriage and girl's enculturation through formal initiation rites. By having the life-long support of the mbumba, women are in a position to exercise influence over in marrying husbands. On the other hand, the constant over-protection of the mbumba has a tendency to arouse tensions between mbumba members. Women receive intense indoctrinational in female sex roles behaviour and there are many for conformity, but it is evident that women experience personal conflict regarding the publicly demanded subservient role they are expected to assume in relation to males. In all likelihood, it is conflicts such as these that give rise to the many influential strategies exercised by women.

Location: CCL-MC/BCA, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org, Bunda Colleg of Agriculture, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Tel: 265-277 222, Fax:265-277 403, email:bundalibrary@unima.wn.opc.org

163 Chaima, C. (1994)

Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviour Regarding the Sexual Activities of Girls in TA Kalolo, Lilongwe District, Malawi.

• The objective of this study was to determine when and why girls start sexual intercourse, and to solicit suggestions from the community on how girls can change their sexual behaviour. In addition, this pilot study was undertaken to gather information useful to design information, education and communication interventions that would help girls delay sexual intercourse. The sample composed of school girls, 8-12 years old, out of school girls, 8 to 16 years old, school boysaged 8-13, out of school boys aged 13 to 18 years; to groups each of parents,anankungwi - traditional counsellors, and teachers and three groups of religious leaders. Focus group discussions were used in this study. Thirteen groups,consisting of 99 participants, were interviewed from June 6 to 8, 1994. The discussions focused on problems, responsibilities and aspirations of girls; knowledgeabout sexuality, pregnancy and STDs; attitudes and beliefs about sexual intercourse; age at first sexual intercourse, reasons for starting sexual intercourse; and how girls can be helped to delay sexual intercourse. The findings of the study show that sexual intercourse among both boys and girls in TA Kalolo starts asearly as 8 years of age. All children interviewed indicated that they had sexual intercourse. Peer and parental pressure was given as one of the reasons girls start having sexual intercourse early. All groups were fairly well informed about STDs, particularly AIDS.

Location: CSR/MOHP, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net, Ministry of Health, P.O. BOX 30377, LILONGWE 3, Tel: 789 400, Fax: 773 431-33, email:registry.Malawi@undp.org

Sexual Behaviour, Condom Use and Gender Differences Among Urban Undergraduate University Students in Malawi.

• The purpose of the present study is to determine urban undergraduate university college student's sexual behaviour and condom use as well as gender differences in the variables. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 303 first year students from 4 urban university colleges in Malawi during last term of the 1996/97 academic year. Rosenbusch's, et al. "Health Belief Model" was used to guide this study. The theory helps to describe why people accept preventive health services and why they comply or do not comply with other kinds of health care regimens. Of the 303 students interviewed, 63.4% were males. Sixty six percent of the males and 45% of the females reported that they were sexually experienced. Few statistically significant but important differences were observed between genders. The mean age at first intercourse was higher for the females than for males. Males were more likely than females to practice preventive behaviour, i.e. carry a condom in a situation that they knew might lead to sex. Sixty-six percent of the male and 52% of the females were afraid that there would never be a cure for AIDS. More females than males knew somebody with AIDS. Males heard about the female condom mainly from radio, newspapers and the clinic while females heard about it mainly from radio, books, magazines and friends.

Women, Gender and Production on Colonial Malawi's Estates.

• Investigates into the factors of socio-economic deprivation among women so as to understand their present social and economic predicament. The study mainly focused on women working in Malawi's estates, looking specifically on the features of social and economic order created on the estates; the position of women in these and the effects of colonial economy on the women and local communities of the affected areas. The study covered Zomba, Chiradzulu and Thyolo district. The primary sources for recovering the life experiences of the informants were detailed oral interviews. The method used in the collection of data was life-history collection or personal narrative technique. The findings of the study show that cultural and traditional norms and practices played an important role in the labour mobilization strategies of the estate owners. The study also reveals the social and economic deprivation of women; their discrimination in access to land, family labour and paid employment and their general vulnerability to economic factors. The study also reveals how culture-bound gender relations sustained capitalist production.

Location: CCL-MC, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Planning Programmes with Rural African Refugee women: An Analysis of American Agencies' Utilization of Existing Resources

• The study identified informal and non formal adult learning activities that existed among rural refugee women in selected African refugee settlements; to find out how the experiences of these rural refugee women are being incorporated so as to enhance clientele participation in the programme and to determine how existing organizational networks or cultural systems of the refugees are being used to facilitate these women participating in their own development planning process. All US Agencies that provide for refugees in Africa south of the Sahara, including Malawi. Nine agencies were identified as willing to participate. Names of contact person for each agency were supplied. Interviews were used to collect data for this study. Interviews were described as involving a verbal exchange on which information and expressions of opinions or beliefs are drawn out from the respondent. In this study features of non scheduled standardised (semi structure), and non standardized (non structured) interviews were employed. A qualitative methodology which enabled verbal as well as written communication with American Agencies' representatives was adopted. First, agencies known to serve African refugees overseas were identified. It was found out that all the agencies began with some relief intervention with the refugees and then moved on to development work. It was observed that all provided some form of educational programme and they all aim to introduce some change in the lives of those they served. They all cared for the poor, their health, food and sustenance. Being religious does not seem to give an agency more credence. Many consider the long-term goal of the service they provide. Some ensure that the people too must contribute something; some pay special care for women and children and others the whole community, but the general focus seems to be the desire to serve the rural poor.

Location: CCL-MC, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Tenacious Women: changing the Banja Household Production in the face of Changing Gender Relations in Malawi.

• Examines major shifts in Southern Malawi's matrilineal societies at the household level that have contributed to the intensification of women's agricultural workload and the undermining of their relative economic autonomy. Slave trading incursions from militant, patrilineal invaders weakened women's authority in the pre-colonial period while missionary activities and capitalist administrative practices further eroded women's control of vital resources and robbed them of family labour during the colonial period. The author argues that the tenacity with which women in these matrilineal, largely uxori local communities cling individual family production rather than participating in gender specific collaboration forms of production signals a last defence against the historical erosion of their economic and political power. Their insistence on banja production is linked to their need to optimise and maintain control over the benefits of this production at the household level.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Survey of Social Concepts, Structures and Practices

• The overall objective of this survey was to provide information on the Kaseye and Wovwe catchment areas which would ensure that social and cultural aspects, including gender, are considered in the formulation of viable and sustainable plans and extension messages on soil and water relationships within the project areas and give some insight into socio-structural reasons for present land use practices, particularly women's roles in farming systems. Total sample survey was 160 people in each catchment area making a total of 320 farm households in the two river catchment areas, Wovwe in Karonga and Kaseye in Chitipa Districts. A combination of quantitative data collection methods were used, namely, the formal questionnaire, children's activity schedules, participant observation, key informant interviews and focus group interviews. A list of farm households in each catchment area was prepared and each household was identified by name, location, gender of head of the household and ethnic group. There were five sections in Wovwe and four in Kaseye. Data was collected by 19 enumerators and two supervisors. Simulation exercises and pilot test of interview skills and guidelines were conducted. The major aim of this study was to look at the gender division of labour within agricultural production in the catchment areas. The results of the study revealed that, just over 12% of the farm households are headed by females in the Wovwe catchment area, while 23% are female headed in Kaseye. Agricultural work occupies more time for both men and women in Wovwe catchment area than any other activity, it is the main activity for men in Kaseye and is only slightly surpassed by home construction and maintenance for women in Kaseye. 18% of the 150 children aged between 8 and 14 years interviewed were not school going. Only 4 respondents in Wovwe and 12 in Kaseye had been employed for any wages the previous 12 months. Decision-making in both catchment areas is the man's responsibility. Again control of resources and income is left to the man.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Gender and Community Participation in Practice in Rural Malawi.

• The study aimed at identify women's needs in terms of their triple roles as producers, reproducers and community managers; to differentiate between women's practical and strategic gender needs; to strengthen participatory development planning and to promote gender awareness amongst men and women in the study areas and amongst planners and implementers of projects. This study focused on rural communities at three locations, one from each of Malawi's three administrative regions. A two stage sample design was used to select households. Sampling was done from six randomly selected villages in each area. Data was collected through questionnaires and time use diaries completed by 150 men and women from randomly selected households in each of the three project areas. The questionnaire consisted of 63 questions, 21 of which were open ended to allow the respondent full freedom of expression in answering. Interviews were conducted in local language but the responses were coded in English. A recall method was employed in this study. Observation of a sub-sample of 12 respondents in each area was also used. This study was conducted in Ntchisi, Mangochi and Nkhata-bay districts. In Mangochi district, the site of the study was Malindi, in Nkhata-bay, the site was located at Sanga and in Ntchisi it was Bawala. About 51% of the survey population was female and 49% male. The sex ratio in Bawala, Malindi and Sanga was 96, 100 and 85 males per 100 females respectively. The distribution of the survey population by age showed that 47.5% were aged 15 or less. 46.9% were aged between 15 and 65 years. 5.6% were over 65 years of age. The dependence ration for the survey population was 1:31, 1:13 and 1:00 respectively. Dependence ratio of FHH was higher at 1:23 than of MHH at 1:09. In Malindi, 46% of all the households were female-headed, in Bawala 20% and in Sanga 29% respectively. Overall, the percentage of polygamous households was 25% of all marriages. For individual locations, it was as follows: Malindi 32%, Bawala 26% and Sanga 18%. 75% of the respondents were married at the time of the survey. The average number of persons per household was 5.3. The majority of the household heads (80%) are engaged in farming. 87% of the households indicated income earning activity.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Gender Issues in Community Participation in Rural Malawi: Constraints and Opportunities: Final Report.

• The overall objectives of the study were to identify women's needs in terms of their triple roles as producers, reproducers and community managers; to differentiate between women's practical and strategic gender needs; to strengthen participatory development planning and to promote gender awareness amongst men and women in the study areas and amongst planners and implementors of programmes. There were three locations for this study, namely: Bwala ward in Ntchisi, Sanga ward in Nkhata Bay and Malindi in Mangochi districts. In the first phase six villages from each of the three locations were randomly selected. In the second phase, the same locations were visited for the focus groups, key informant and volunteer interviews and observations. Several research instruments were used. These included a questionnaire that was administered to key informants in the village; time use diaries, and community profile from each of the three project areas. Volunteers appeared to have more positive view of their role than did the community as a whole. Communities vary widely on their attitudes towards community projects and the strength with which some opinions are held. In Nkhata Bay, a lot was accomplished through community efforts as compared to Ntchisi and Mangochi because both men and women participated in community work in acceptable proportions. There are differences in religious ethnicity and educational levels on the three sites that has an impact on the participation of women in community activities. There were also economic differences with Nkhata Bay being clearly more affluent than the other two areas. In the community, status is determined by position held, wealth, good behaviour, self-respect and respect for others. High status women differ from high status men mainly in the position held. Men held positions such as Chief, whose influence was community wide, while women were more likely to hold positions with more limited sphere of influence, like traditional birth attendants.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

 
171 Kakhongwe, P. (1998)

Rape in the Media: A Guide to Malawian Newspaper Articles.

• The purpose of this study was to record incidences of rape and defilement in order to find out the level of rape and defilement in Malawi. Major Newspapers, published between January and December, 1998, were scanned for articles on rape and defilement. The main source of information on rape and defilement incidences recorded in this Database were the newspapers. Most of the data were gathered from Malawi News, The Daily Times, The Nation and Weekend Nation. For each entry, author's name, title of article, source of article, and date of publication, were recorded. There were a total of 58 rape cases, 19 defilement cases and 25 other cases. Other cases here include general sexual harassment. The victims were within the age range of 6 months to 72 years, and that of the rapists, 13 to 49 years. Southern Region had 45 cases reported, Central region 25 and Northern region had 11. The months of March and May recorded the highest incidences of rape and defilement (12), while January, February and April, recorded the lowest, with 3 cases each. Blantyre district had the highest cases (22), followed by Lilongwe (13). Balaka, Dowa, Mzimba, Nsanje and Phalombe had one case each during the period of this study. Rape cases feature more highly than defilement cases. The study has found out that while rape and defilement cases are punishable by life imprisonment or death, the longest sentence for the perpetrators was only 8 years and the shortest 6 months. It has also been shown that the support systems are ineffective. Further more, victims themselves seem not to be aware of their rights regarding rape and defilement.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Community Study in Malawi: Literature Review

• In this review, the aim was to trace the formation of three government organizational frameworks and how they were linked to local social networks based on kinship and traditional authority; to investigate and evaluate past experiences of community planning approaches and strategies and ways in which local institutions of community, such as kinship, family, state and other significant social networks, act to mediate access to resources such as land, labour and capital. Seven communities were covered by this study, namely, Tengani village in Nsanje, Tsabango in Lilongwe, Kyungu in Karonga, Bolero in Rumphi, Limphasa Rice Scheme in Nkhata-bay District, Nkhota Rural Growth Centre in Kasungu and Likangala Rice Scheme in Zomba District. The findings of the study show that the three government structures, namely, the District administrative structure, the agricultural development division framework and the organizational structure of rural growth centres, are clearly linked with each other, since they are all intended to stimulate change of a type that will bring prosperity to rural communities. Four varieties of local structures have been identified: matrilineal structure composed of sorority groups, patrilineal structure composed of agnatic groups, non-lineal kinship groups and structures based on age groups.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

A Comparative Study on the Use and Allocation of Time by Women in the Use Value and Exchange Value Sectors in the Rural and Urban Areas of Zomba District.

• Examines, on a comparative basis, the characteristics of women's work in three different areas in Zomba District to determine differences and similarities in way women allocate their time to various tasks within the length of a woman's work day. The three areas in the study, included one rural setting namely Malelonga villages, one peri-urban community, namely Chinamwali and Zomba town. In total, 200 women were interviewed with reference to their time allocation and of these, a group of 40 were selected for observations, 20 from Malelonga villages, 10 from Chinamwali and 10 from Zomba town. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were selected for this research. The quantitative methods used interview schedules whilst the qualitative method used unstructured interviews and direct observation. The quantitative method collected much demographic data and opinions of the women which qualitative method alone would by pass. From this study, it has been found out that women allocated and used time in a logical manner to maximize efficiency depending on energy required for a particular task, climatic conditions, spatial arrangements and personal preference. It has further been found out that women's ability and skill in managing numerous tasks often performed concurrently within a limited time, have not been given recognition as part of a person's administrative resource capacity by potential employers. National statistics that leave out women's use-value work are inadequate for economic planning purposes because use of such statistics are liable to produce skewed plans. This study has shown that the length of the working day in all three Zomba district areas is about 16 hours. This demonstrates that Malawian women spend approximately the same amount of time in labour regardless of their residence.

Location: CCL-MC, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

  174 Kayambazinthu, E; Chabwera, E (1999)

The Women and Men of Lake Chilwa Wetland and Catchment Areas: A Gender Profile.

• A study report, conducted to profile gender. The study investigated the gender roles of women and men of the Lake Chilwa Wetlands and Catchment areas. Defines gender roles in relation to the Lake Chilwa Wetland and Catchment management project, describes the cultural and sociological rights and rules regarding access to wetlands and catchment area, paying particular attention to the effects of technology rights and rules; defines and analyses the power and authority structures as they relate to rights and rule enforcement and access to the wetland; defines the role of women in decision-making in the various income generating activities and committees. The findings of the study show that poverty is seen as the overarching factor that accounts for people's lack of proper utilisation and conservation of natural resources

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

An Evaluation of UNICEF Social Mobilization Programme in the Southern Region of Malawi: Final Report.

• The study established the effectiveness of the programme in disseminating health information which has an influence on behaviour change; to identify weaknesses in the programme and to develop an appropriate monitoring system for the continuous improvement of the programme. Three districts in Southern Region of Malawi were included in the evaluation:- Mwanza, Mulanje and Chiradzulu. In each district 4 villages were sampled. In each of the districts, four villages were sampled, two villages that had been exposed to UNICEF Social Mobilization activities within the previous six months and two villages which had not had any UNICEF Social Mobilization activities. Within each village, all households were listed and the names of all inhabitants between the ages of 10 and 45 years were recorded. This sampling frame was then stratified into four strata as follows: males aged 10-20 years; females aged 10-20 years; males aged 21-45 years and females aged 21-45 years. Within each stratum ten subjects were chosen from each of the four villages in each district. For each district a total of approximately 160 subjects was sampled, giving a total of 482 for the three districts. These randomly selected community members, were interviewed using a structured interview format (questionnaire) to elicit answers to the questions posed. the distribution of AIDS knowledge scores for intervention and control communities for the total sample is 14.62, mean score for the intervention communities is 14.61 and for the control community is 14.64. The difference between scores for the intervention and control communities is not significant, indicating that there is no difference between the intervention and control communities in terms of AIDS related knowledge.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

 

176 Mkandawire, R.M.

Women's roles and Gender Differences: A Case Study of Women in two Rural Centres in Malawi.

• The Study was carried out to find out the socio-economic conditions, activities and aspirations of women in two Rural Growth Centres in Malawi, namely Bolero in the north and Thekerani in the South in order to compare with the other and to develop some basis for the introduction of income generating activities for the women in the two areas. More specifically the study set out to examine the socio-economic conditions and circumstances under which women in the two areas work; provide sectors, which constrain women's full participation in agricultural production and rural development in general in the two areas and provide policy guidance on how women's participation in agriculture and rural development can be enhanced for the improvement of their welfare and that of their families.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Portraying the women in Malawian Literature: The Case of Andrea's Daughters, Naomi and Flora Chagwa.

• Paper presented at the UNESCO Seminar on women and the Democratization Process in Malawi held at Ryalls Hotel, Blantyre, 29-31 May 1995. Discusses the way in which gender relationships are presented in Malawian oral literature. It also discusses Josiah Phiri's "Kalenga ndi Mzache" and further discusses P P Litete's Mkwatibwi Wokhumudwa. In conclusion, the author argues that male writers are insensitive to the nature of positive contributions the woman makes to society. Instead the writers find it easier to portray the woman as a suffering mother, submissive individual, an unfaithful wife, and so on and so forth.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Beyond Inequalities: Women in Malawi.

• The WID profile is a description or array of data on a selection of gender characteristics. It is analytical device for summarizing information related to the position of women from the analytical framework of autonomy, physical, economic, political and socio-culture. The major objective of the study, thus, was to describe the WID policies and programmes formulated by government and NGOs in Malawi. Gender Programme Officers in Government Departments/Ministries, NGOs and the UN agencies. Data for this desk study was gathered through literature review and interviews with WID experts in Malawi. The study findings show that women in Malawi make up more than 52% of the country's total population, and that they are disadvantaged compared to men in virtually every social and economic sectors. They have lower levels of education, political representation, formal and non-traditional employment opportunities and access to resource to increase agricultural productivity. 30% of the population is female headed but are disproportional represented in the bottom 25% of the income distribution. 70% of the rural female population are full-time farmers. The majority of them (96.3%) are in the non-formal sector. In the formal sector, women work primarily in a narrow range of occupations such as nursing, teaching, secretarial, sales positions. Overall, women make up less than 5% of the administrative and managerial cadres.

Location: CSR/NAM/BCA/CC/COM/UNICEF, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net, National Archives of Malawi(NAM), P.O. BOX 62, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 184, Fax: 265-524 148, Bunda College of Agriculture, P.O. BOX 219, LILONGWE, Tel: 277 222, Fax:277 403, email: bundalibrary@unima.wn.opc.org,infortech@sdnp.org.mw, P.O. BOX 30375, LILONGWE 3[New Commercial Bank Building, 2^nd Floor, Capital City], Tel: 770 304/770 770/770 788, Fax: 773 162, email:unicef@unima.wn.apc.org or unicerf@malawi.net, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Violence Against Women.

• A paper presented at the "Gender Sensitization and Wills and Inheritance Act Review and Legislation Workshop". Gives the definition of violence against women. According to this paper, violence against women and children refers to any gender-based violence that results or likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering to women and children. It further indicates that violence is also a result of unequal power relations between men and women which prevents women's full advancement and enjoyment of their freedoms. Violence includes such acts as threats, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty occuring in public or private life or places.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Violence Against Women in Education Institutions: The Case of Sexual Harassment and Rape on Chancellor College Campus.

• Generally the objective of the this study was to determine the level of sexual harassment and incidence of rape on female students at Chancellor College Campus. Specifically to find out the proportion of female students who had been raped and/or sexually harassed and whether levels of these incidents have increased or decreased; to find out the people responsible for rape or sexual harassment and whether these incidents were reported; to find out the perception of the victims on the attitudes of the people to whom the cases were reported. A total of 364 female students were recruited for this study. However, only 202 of the 364 students responded to the questionnaire addressed to them. Data for this study were collected through a structured questionnaire which was sent to all 364 female students. To ensure clarity the questionnaire provided definitions of rape and sexual harassment to the students. Data were analysed using an SPSS statistical package for frequencies and cross tabulations. Twelve percent of the respondents indicated that they had been raped on campus. Out of these, 23 respondents mentioned a boyfriend to be the perpetrator, 17% mentioned a friend while only 1 student mentioned a stranger. Twenty-six percent mentioned 'others'. The rape was mostly done on campus as reported by 50% of the respondents. Questionnaires were sent to all 364 students at Chancellor College Campus. However, the response rate was 55% (202 out of the 364 questionnaires that were sent). The respondents were within the age of 16-25. The majority of the respondents, 90% were between the ages of 16-25. About 92% were single while 8% were married. The students were distributed across the years in the following manner:- 25% from first year; 33% from second year, 21% from third year, 16% from fourth year and 1.5% from second year masters. The response according to faculties was, social science 35%, education 28%, humanities 16%, science 13% and law 5%.

Location: CSR/CCL-MC, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Networking for Awareness on Women Issues in Ecumenical Women Organizations in Malawi and the African Region.

• Paper presented at UNESCO Conference on Women and the Democratization Process in Malawi, 9-31 May, 1995, Ryalls Hotel, Blantyre. The paper examines Christian women's involvement with groups such as Malawians in Theology, Pan African Christian Women Alliance and the Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women, etc. This discussion has shown that 1989 was a year in which African women in the church decided to break their silence. It is a year in which African women decided to reject the teaching that women are inferior to men. It also indicates that the beginnings of the mobilization of African church women have not been all smooth among themselves.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Successful Approaches to Integrating Gender in US Development Assistance - USAID/Malawi.

• This USAID/Malawi Case Study is one of a series examining USAID country programmes with successful approaches to the integration of gender issues in development. It examines how the roles and responsibilities of women and men at household, community and national levels differentially affect their access to and benefits from development activities, and thus affect development outcomes and sustainability. Gives an overview of Malawi's political and economic situation, its most pressing gender and development issues and USAID/Malawi's programme. Describes USAID's experience considering gender in three programme areas. Focuses on the specific details of how USAID integrates gender considerations at the programme level and at Key junctures in the programme/project cycle.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Women's Programmes in Malawi: Survey on Governmental and Non-governmental Women's Programmes.

• The target group of the survey comprised government and non-governmental organisations. The survey was confined to organisations involved directly in the development of women activities. Along a list of interview guidelines, the questions raised during the survey covered whole range of programme/financial and personnel allocations, experienced problems in particular and in general; proposals for future women's programmes. Altogether 68 organisations and its branches and a much higher number of persons were contacted. This represented a total of 54 different organisations which have been involved. However, the survey report contains a selected number of 34 detailed project/programme descriptions of various organisations, depending on their relevance and data collected. The survey has shown that a great number of organisations are involved in WID issues. The major distinction between types of organisations involved in implementing WID programmes is governmental and non-governmental.

Target Audience Research and Literature Review Report

• Examines what the community knew about issues about human sexuality, assess the adequacy of such knowledge and finally examine whether such information is communicated to their children. The sample consisted of adolescents and both male and female parents. Tools used in the audience research included questionnaires, which were targeted at adolescents and both male and female parents as well as interpersonal interviews. The findings of the study confirmed that communication between parents and children exits and has negative impact on society. Parental lack of factual information, knowledge and self confidence on issues of sex and sexuality coupled with weakening family support structures due to urbanization and migration forces the youth to divorce themselves from parents. The study further reveals that in 1990, 68% of females versus 20% males married between the range of 15 to 19 years. The peak age for first marriage is 20-24 for males and 15-19 for females due to peer pressure. This implies that 68% of all pregnancies occur among teenagers.

Location: BCA, Bunda College of Agriculture, P.O. BOX 219, LILONGWE, Tel: 277 222, Fax:277 403, email: bundalibrary@unima.wn.opc.org,infortech@sdnp.org.mw

Women's Oral Poetry as a Social Strategy in Malawi.

• Examines the performance of women's oral poetry in specific socio-cultural context of the Maseko Ngoni in Dedza and Ntcheu Districts of Malawi; examine the position of women in the Maseko Ngoni community and how they employ song poetry as a strategy in defining, evaluating, and interpreting gender roles. The sample for this study comprised of the Maseko Ngoni Women from Dedza and Ntcheu Districts. To collect data for this study, both informal and formal interviews were conducted. These were recorded with the use of a tape recorder and a notebook. The interview included discussions with men and women on political, economic and social issues related to the role of men and women in the community. The study shows that performance is a multidimensional and its aspects are interrelated and overlap. The study has extended the various devices performers use to key a performance. Additionally, this study has attempted to provide an understanding of the concept of strategy as the bridge between social structure, folklore, and purpose. Employing the concept of strategy as a link between social structure, genre, event, action and purpose, the study has shown that the pounding song is one of the powerful strategies used by women to cope with situations. The study is a significant contribution as an example of how cross-fertilization of folklore with anthropological theoretical perspectives can enhance a better understanding of the position of women in societies.

Location: CCL-MC, Chancellor College, P.O. BOX 280, ZOMBA, Tel: 265-524 222, Fax: 265-522 046, 265/522 578, email: ccadmin@unima.wn.apc.org

Images of Women in Malawian Oral Literature.

• Malawian Oral Literature, in general, projects women as either naturally wicked or extremely virtuous. In this paper, the author argues that both the negative and positive images are stereotypes and reflect traditional attitudes towards women; attitudes that are essentially paternalistic and effectively detrimental to the advancement of the status of women in society. The depiction of women as naturally wicked is obviously more damaging than the projection of them as extremely virtuous.

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

Gender Sensitization Workshop for Media Personnel.

• Final report of Gender Sensitization Workshop held in Mangochi from 4-15 May 1998. The overall objective of the Workshop was that by the end of the two workshops participants would have understood the concept of gender and development and the roles they can play as media people in advancing gender issues and the status of women and children. They will also have acquired skills of identifying gender concerns in their local settings and how to report these issues effectively. The gender training focussed on three critical areas:- building individual awareness, incorporating gender practices into information gathering, processing and production; and integrating gender in the workplace.

Location: COM, College of Medicine, Private bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3. Tel: 265-677 245/291, Fax: 674 700-33, com@malawi.net

Integrated Basic Services Project: A Baseline Survey

• Demonstrates the increased effectiveness of the delivery of basic services for children when they are provided in an integrated and comprehensive fashion in specific geographical areas, with the active participation of the community concerned. Specifically, the study aimed at reducing infant mortality in particular, and maternal and child mortality and morbidity in general in the communities concerned, by providing health care within a five mile radius, etc. The geographical areas of the survey were Mzimba, Dowa and Mwanza districts where UNICEF efforts were directed. Within each of these three districts a total of ten sub-areas were chosen as the location where UNICEF assistance has to be specifically targeted. These sub-areas were the primary sampling areas of the survey. Personal interviews were used to collect data for this survey. A total of 575 women in separate households were interviewed throughout the three districts. Observations were also used to gather data for the survey. The observation unit was the mother of the household surveyed. The element, or the unit about which information was gathered, was generally the children of the mother, but sometimes it was other household members. On occupation of head of the family, in Mzimba 7% said they were farmers. In Dowa 45% said they were farmers. The grand total showed that about 65% of the family heads are farmers, with the percentage in the three districts ranging from about 60% to 85%. Ninety-two percent of the women interviewed reported that they were wives of the family head, even though 51% of the family heads are absent.

Keywords: Basic Needs/Children/Infant Mortality/Maternal Mortality /Child Mortality

Location: CSR, Centre for Social Research, box 278, Zomba, Malawi. Email;csr@malawi.net, csr@sdnp.org.mw, csrbasis@malawi.net

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