As part of finding solutions to the surging cases and incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) in Malawi, Revolution Human Aid and Transparency Initiative (REHAAT-INITIATIVE) conducted a research on how gender norms contribute to GBV in the workplace. The study which was conducted between March and May 2021, sought to lay bare prevailing gender norms among low-income earning agricultural labourers and domestic workers. In-depth interviews were conducted in Mzimba (Mzuzu), Karonga and Nkhata-Bay districts in the northern Malawi.
Among other findings, the research found that the main norms that underpin various forms of violence against women in domestic and agricultural work are the expectations that they will be submissive and will not criticise their superiors, and the non-intervention that results from passive cultural attitudes that tolerate such violence.
The study was conducted as part of the Advancing Learning and Innovation on Gender Norms (ALiGN) Project which is supported by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).
The briefing report can be accessed on the following links:
https://rehaatinitiative.wixsite.com/rehaat/post/align-research-how-gender-norms-contribute-to-gender-based-violence-in-the-workplace-in-malawi
or
https://www.alignplatform.org/resources/how-gender-norms-contribute-gender-based-violence-workplace-malawi
REHAAT-INITIATIVE conducts research on GBV in the workplace
