Abstract:
In this critical ethnographic study, we examined women's end of life experiences in Malawi, one of the few countries in the world with a national palliative care policy. Specifically, we explored how women's and their caregivers' experiences were shaped by family and community care, and material needs. Interviews and observations with female clients of a non-governmental organization in rural Central Malawi, and with their caregivers, revealed that community-level support was both precarious and critical. We found three main themes: (1) I stay with them well, (2) we eat together, and (3) everyone is for themselves. The analysis illustrates the centrality of community care, social in/exclusion, and availability of stable food, shelter, medical, and caregiving resources on health and wellbeing at end of life. We provide recommendations to strengthen community care opportunities and women's resource bases.
