Abstract

This study sought to examine problems, trends, and prospects of women’s numerical participation in politically appointed positions in the Malawi Public Service. The study focused on appointive positions ranging from P4/S4 to P2/S2 and their equivalents in purposively selected Government Ministries and Parastatals. Analysis of the evidence from these organizations established several factors which account for the failure of the 30% critical mass in appointive positions. These include cultural socialization, political appointments, lack of technically qualified female personnel, lack of legal provisions to enforce the gender policy, female labour turnover, and limitations in the application of the measures. Closer examination of these problems, however, failed to identify any single factor largely accounting for the failure of the 30% critical mass, This necessitates further research on the issue using a larger sample but with emphasis on the quantitative approach. In terms of prospects, evidence suggests a stalled attainment of the critical mass by the Malawi Public Service strategic management.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2011

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