Socially disempowered women as the key to addressing change in Malawi: how do they do it?
Macintyre, L.M.; Rankin, S.; Pinderhughes, H.; Waters, C.M.; Schell, E.; Fiedler, R.
Health Care for Women International 34(2): 103-121
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 23311905 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2011.630116Document Number: 573947
Malawi women are in the ironic juxtaposition of being socially disempowered while, at the same time, thought to hold the key to shaping an effective community response to the HIV crisis. Based on this juxtaposition, a descriptive, qualitative study was conducted in Malawi and the United States where 26 participants from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) discussed the roles of Malawi women. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed. We identified an improvement in women's economic status as the strongest factor in reducing gender inequities. Through providing stipends for rural Malawi women, one NGO created unintended changes in gender roles.