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Malawi – Women's Rights in Society

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Malawi – Women's Rights in Society
Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Southern Africa and arguable the world, has spent most of its history under the isolationist dictatorship of the late President Kamuzu Banda. Since then an open and multi-party system gained control arriving in 1994, when present president Bakili Muluzi won power in fair elections. Ever since the implementation of democracy and an opening of country to the outside world, things have changed relatively quickly and drastically. Malawi has definitely modernized its civilization not only physically but also ethically. Social values have seemed to be implemented into all facets of life. The Constitution of Malawi specifically provides for equal rights for women; however, society has typically been predominantly traditional, and women 's liberation takes much time to integrate into society. The much-anticipated liberation has nevertheless come to a standstill with men still neglecting the new role of women in the evolving culture. Men have taken the law into their own hands and turned to domestic abuse, as a solution to the discrepancies between gender roles. Women are not only physically abused but are also far behind in educational and occupational opportunities. Women may never achieve the liberation that they deserve without drastic and immediate change. The Malawian press has unexpectedly taken a pro gender equality stance and has attempted to spread issues of gender sensitivity into culture. Malawi must ensure that women are granted rights not only on paper but also in actuality. In order for Malawi to integrate successfully into society it must grant the equal rights for women as well as men. Under the Malawian Constitution, women have the right to full and equal protection by law and may not be discriminated against on the basis of sex or marital status; however, in practice discrimination against women is pervasive, and women do not have opportunities equal to those available to men. "Women have significantly


Cited: "AFROL Gender Profiles: Malawi." African News Agency. Winter 2000. U.S. Department of State. 26 Jan. 2008 <http://www.afrol.com/Categories/Women/profiles/malawi_women.htm#gendersensitiviy>. Jomo, Frank. "Religious Beliefs Said to Fuel Gender-Based Violence in Malawi." Journey Online. 19 Feb. 2006. Queensland United Church. 27 Jan. 2008 <http://www.journeyonline.com.au/showArticle.php?categoryId=2&articleId=349>. Stevens, Richard. "People of Malawi." Malawi Project, Inc. Jan. 2008. 30 Jan. 2008 <http://www.malawiproject.org/category/malawi/people/>. Thompson, Jack. Religious and Cultural Interactions in Malawi. Lansing: Kachere Series, 2007. 7-36.
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