MALAWI: Gender and Human Development

1. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 MALAWI:Gender and Human Development Malawi�s Gender Profile Analytical Approach for the report Lessons

2. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 MALAWI�S GENDER PROFILE poverty rates are higher for female-headed households (58%) compared to male-headed households (51%). Women (50%) are less educated than men (75%) Female-headed households are more likely to be farming (95% compared to 88%) but they lag behind male-headed household in obtaining agricultural extension advice (8% compared to 14% for male-headed households) Malawi�s Gender Profile: Characteristics of Poverty and Vulnerability (Based on MPVA 2005) In Malawi poverty rates are higher for female-headed households (58%) compared to male-headed households (51%). Women are less educated than men (literacy among women is 50% compared to 75% for men). As a result lower education puts women at an economic disadvantage and has implications for children. Gender gap is also exhibited in agricultural production. Female-headed households are more likely to be farming (95% compared to 88%) but they lag behind male-headed household in obtaining agricultural extension advice (8% compared to 14% for male-headed households); and in farming cash crops. When it comes to decision making in farming, women are involved in making decision only for crops that do not require fertilizer application and where seeds are recycled (only 20% of married women said they are involved in decisions about large house-holds purchases). Access to credit is lower for women than men. Women work longer than men but spend less time on income generating activities and more time in domestic chores. Gender differentials in time allocation also exist among children with girls spending (16 hrs./week) more time on household chores compared to boys (10 hrs.). Fewer women (6%) are in wage employment than men (22%) and, in the same job, women get paid less than men. Overall, income and non-income poverty differentials exist between men and women. Men have better access than women to important resources (education, income sources & opportunities, credit, etc.) for improving living conditions.Malawi�s Gender Profile: Characteristics of Poverty and Vulnerability (Based on MPVA 2005) In Malawi poverty rates are higher for female-headed households (58%) compared to male-headed households (51%). Women are less educated than men (literacy among women is 50% compared to 75% for men). As a result lower education puts women at an economic disadvantage and has implications for children. Gender gap is also exhibited in agricultural production. Female-headed households are more likely to be farming (95% compared to 88%) but they lag behind male-headed household in obtaining agricultural extension advice (8% compared to 14% for male-headed households); and in farming cash crops. When it comes to decision making in farming, women are involved in making decision only for crops that do not require fertilizer application and where seeds are recycled (only 20% of married women said they are involved in decisions about large house-holds purchases). Access to credit is lower for women than men. Women work longer than men but spend less time on income generating activities and more time in domestic chores. Gender differentials in time allocation also exist among children with girls spending (16 hrs./week) more time on household chores compared to boys (10 hrs.). Fewer women (6%) are in wage employment than men (22%) and, in the same job, women get paid less than men. Overall, income and non-income poverty differentials exist between men and women. Men have better access than women to important resources (education, income sources & opportunities, credit, etc.) for improving living conditions.

3. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 MALAWI�S GENDER PROFILE women are involved in making decision only for crops that do not require fertilizer application and where seeds are recycled (only 20% of married women said they are involved in decisions about large house-holds purchases) Access to credit is lower for women than men Women work longer than men but spend less time on income generating activities and more time in domestic chores girls spend (16 hrs./week) more time on household chores compared to boys (10 hrs.)

4. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 MALAWI�S GENDER PROFILE Fewer women (6%) are in wage employment than men (22%) and, in the same job, women get paid less than men Men have better access than women to important resources (education, income sources & opportunities, credit, etc.) for improving living conditions

5. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 Analytical Approach Assess progress in gender equality promotion in Malawi (achievements, challenges & action points) that would make a difference in the Whether policy statements address the gendered situation (do policies aim to reduce the gender gaps, or they are gender blind?) Whether national objectives, strategies & targets scrutinize for gender inclusion or exclusion The analysis and diagnosis will be based on attainment of MDGs and the Malawi Growth & Development Strategy (2006-2011).

6. HDRO/RBA Regional Technical Workshop on Measuring Human Development Nairobi � September - 2007 LESSONS