Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the role that the school environment has played in enhancing female participation in decision making positions in SEED in Malawi. Gender policies aim at removing imbalances and disparities among men and women. One would wonder why women participation in decision making was still low. It was worthy finding out the implementation of gender policies, impact and factors contributing to low participation of women in decision-making positions in (SEED) Malawi. The study used mixed methods research design. Information was collected through focus group discussions, documents, interviews and questionnaires. A purposively selected sample of thirty secondary schools was involved in the study. Sixty participants (30 head teachers and 30 Deputy Head teachers) from these schools responded to a questionnaire. Twelve teachers (6 males and 6 females) from rural and urban schools participated in the focus discussion groups, 8 officials from ministry of Education, Division and DEMS offices were interviewed. Documents from these offices were analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the gender policy has not been adequately disseminated to stakeholders at grass root level. The study also revealed that Headteachers and communities including implementers at District Division level were not involved in the implementation plans. The policy followed a top-down approach and it was at ministry level where they developed the plans of upgrading and training of teachers especially females. It was restated that no monitoring mechanism was put in place to check all activities from ministry to school level. This study also revealed that the common barriers that affect women’s participation in decision-making positions are attitudinal, personal and psychological. Additionally, poor self image and lack of willingness to take risks contributed to the same. The study concluded that the ministry of education should widely disseminate the policy developed. The study also recommended that access of women networks for women to share information should be established.

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School	: School of Education
Issued Date	: 2010

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