The Challenges to the Equal Parliamentary Representation of Women During the Electoral Process in Malawi

Abstract

The research investigates the challenges to the equal parliamentary representation of women in Malawi’s parliament during the electoral process. The research question sought to answer how the inadequate parliamentary representation of women in Malawi’s parliament can be addressed. The specific research questions answers: what the legal and administrative provisions for women’s representation in the parliament of Malawi are, the challenges that bar women representation in the parliament of Malawi, and the opportunities available to ensure equal representation of men and women in Malawi’s parliament. The research uses qualitative research methods through desk research method to address its main question and specific questions. The research further uses the theory of feminism and intersectionality as a research methodology approach. Through these approaches, the research captures a multidisciplinary approach from legal studies, gender studies, and political studies to address its research questions. The findings of the research reflect that the legal and administrative landscape of Malawi is well equipped to address issues of women representation in Malawi’s parliament. However, from a gendered perspective, socio-cultural, and socio-economic factors continue to bar women from equal representation in parliament. Furthermore, the research findings show that Malawi does not have any opportunities facilitating the equal parliamentary representation of women. The research thus suggests opportunities that Malawi can adopt such as reserved seats and legal electoral reforms to supplement to the already existing legal and administrative frameworks. An analysis of these findings’ discuses strategic litigation, the under resourcefulness of the Malawi Electoral Commission and the lack of political will. This analysis thus recommends that Malawi’s national budget prioritises addressing issues on women’s rights and that advocacy projects allows for the participation of women in rural areas to capture intersectional experiences and successful advocacy campaigns.