Abstract

Based on the review of existing literature, this paper argues that Malawi's gender regime may be described as a hybrid model, depicting traits of the familialistic as well as the de-familialistic models of gender regimes.This is evidenced from the fact that Malawian women exhibit higher employment rates, despite the low welfare provisions towards child care, eldercare or care for the sick.This means that despite engagement in full time employment, they still play a huge role in unpaid work either directly or through the underpaid services of other women where possible.The family practices that are influenced by culture in these private domains are crucial in gender relations in order to understand decisions that women make in relation to paid work based on their role expectations in the home.A social agenda that significantly takes into account family practices in employment is critical in achieving gender equality in Malawi.

Publication status

Published - 2017