Gender and Development in Southern Africa

Gender inequality is a significant obstacle to socio- economic and political  development in Southern Africa and has a far-reaching impact on various aspects of societal development. Despite the presence of laws such as The Maputo Protocol of 2006 which recognizes and guarantees a wide range  of women’s rights, a substantial gender gap remains encompassing disparities in education, employment opportunities, legal protection, and social norms. Women and girls who bear the brunt of care responsibilities such as household duties, raising children, and providing food for the families face gender inequality challenges, an increased risk of violence, abuse, and unequal treatment which diminishes sustainable development in the region. The upcoming “Gender and Development Workshop” at the University of Malawi in Zomba aims to address these issues. The workshops aims to examine regional frameworks that guarantee the human rights of women and girls in Southern Africa, expose the widespread challenges associated with gender inequality present within various southern African social environments, integrate academics and gender equality activists in understanding pervasive issues of gender equality and development in Southern Africa, and promote the integration of gender and development principles in Southern Africa.

In Southern Africa, gender inequality manifests through disparities in education, employment, and societal norms that restrict opportunities. Women and girls shoulder disproportionate burdens encountering obstacles in education as the Global Education Monitoring Report stated that only 85 girls for every 100 boys of lower secondary school  age attend school. Furthermore their access to healthcare, economic independence, and decision-making remains a challenge. The Gender and Development workshop at the University of Malawi seeks to engage young scholars within the region working on such issues to discuss the state of gender equality and its challenges. Evidence from sources like the Afro barometer 2021-2023 survey indicates that gender-based violence is a significant concern for African women. Access to education, political representation, and socio-economic opportunities also rank high among the challenges faced by women. This inequality perpetuates poverty, limits education, and exposes women to more health risks than men, as labour markets maintain gender segregation. The goal of this workshop is to explore these complex issues and shed light on the challenges faced by women and girls, while also offering insights into potential solutions. This event aims to achieve several objectives, including raising awareness about the pervasive issues of gender inequality, facilitating in-depth discussions on gender and development, inspiring tangible actions toward achieving gender equality, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.

The goal of this workshop is to explore these complex issues and shed light on the challenges faced by women and girls, while also offering insights into potential solutions. This event aims to achieve several objectives, including raising awareness about the pervasive issues of gender inequality, facilitating in-depth discussions on gender and development, inspiring tangible actions toward achieving gender equality, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.

The workshop will serve as a crucial event for academics, policy makers, and ministers of industries in Southern Africa as it brings together academics, feminists, and gender activists. The workshop will provide a platform for various stakeholders to discuss gender and development related issues.

Interested scholars should send their abstracts (not more than 300 words) and motivation (of 500 words) to Rodhina Madzima at  [email protected] ,  Dr Tanaka Chidora at  [email protected]   and Chimwemwe Banda  at  [email protected],  by 28 February 2024. Accepted scholars will be notified by 6 March 2024.