Interpretations of gender and implications for policy : a case of Malawi's Nutrition policymaking process

Abstract

Gender equality is fundamental to reducing malnutrition. In policy practice, gender is often misconstrued to mean women, when in fact it refers to men and women’s roles and responsibilities and the relationships between men and women. Nutrition policies, in particular, are understandably skewed in favour of women because children’s nutrition depends on women’s diet during pregnancy. However, in low-income countries, gender dynamics often constrain women’s access to resources and limit their decision-making in the household, preventing women from accessing nutritious food. While policymakers committed to integrate gender in all policies by signing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, gender norms prevalent in their societies influence policy decisions. These gender norms often affect policy decisions. Using Malawi as a case study, this thesis explores how interpretations of gender influenced the nutrition policy design in Malawi. Malawi’s National Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan 2007 – 2012 and Malawi’s draft National Nutrition Policy 2016 - 2020 was used as a case study. A desk review was used to assess the extent to which Malawi’s NNPSP (2007 – 2012) was gender-responsive using an integrated framework for gender analysis. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews identified factors facilitating and constraining men’s involvement in maternal and child nutrition. A policy dialogue which brought together a range of stakeholders from the nutrition and gender domains in Malawi validated the research findings. While Malawi has made much progress in reducing undernutrition in under five children from 47% in 2010 to 37% in 2016, this reduction is not sufficient for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Gender-responsive nutrition policies could assist in accelerating progress to meeting SDG two in particular, which focuses on ending all forms of malnutrition by 2025. The study found that Malawi’s National Nutrition Policy 2007 – 2012, although reported to address gender, is not gender-responsive. Weaknesses in understanding how to integrate gender in nutrition policy were identified, coupled with possible biases and ideologies that influenced decision-makers. The policy reinforces the role of women in nutrition, overlooking the gender dynamics that constrain women’s access to nutritious food. The supportive role of men is overlooked. Community members’ interpretations of gender differed significantly from policymakers’. Men reported taking up childcare and housework that was previously perceived to be women’s responsibility, shifting traditional gender roles. In Malawi, Non-Governmental Organisation programmes that work with men to increase men’s participation in housework have influenced gender roles and responsibilities in the household. In particular, the role of traditional leaders in promoting men’s participation in maternal and child health has been a successful method of involving men. However, weaknesses in the way in which these programmes are designed hinder progress toward gender equality. While the forthcoming National Nutrition Policy is far less gender-blind compared to its predecessor, the policy remains gender-tepid. Policymakers’ preconceptions around gender continue to influence policy design. Although policymakers attempt to address gender inequality through approaches such as men’s involvement in maternal and child nutrition, their gender biases prevent them from recognising weaknesses in policy design that may deepen the gender gap rather than lead to equality. Dialogue between policymakers and other stakeholders is needed to ensure that policymakers become aware of their gender biases and do not perpetuate gender norms.