| 4.0 |
MACRO-ECONOMIC POLICY ISSUES
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| 4.1 |
The socioeconomic setting within which the gender policy will be implemented
is very weak. With an estimated GNP per capita of US$230, Malawi ranks
among the poorest 15 countries in the world. Poverty eradication is one
of the central development objectives in Malawi. This is due to the fact
that poverty is the main cause of the underdevelopment in the country.
Gender imbalances existing in the Malawian society also tend to be reinforced
by the existing poverty. According to the Situation Analysis of Poverty
in Malawi, rural poverty, where the majority of people are, is estimated
at 60% and urban poverty affect about 65%. A great proportion of those
affected by poverty are women. The people affected by poverty have little
access to productive resources such as land, credit, technology and information.
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| 4.2 |
Since 1981 the Government has been-implementing macro-economic reforms
to restore the economy and foster growth. These economic recovery policies
contradict the gender and development initiatives because they are gender
neutral. As a result they have negative impact on vulnerable groups such
as women, children, people with disabilities and the rural poor. To this
end, the gender policy will advocate for review and adoption of macro-economic
policies and development strategies that are gender sensitive.
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| 4.3 |
The Government of Malawi is in the process of implementing a Decentralisation
Policy. This entails devolution of power from the centre to the local levels
of government, with the local authorities exercising- consideration autonomy
in establishing and implementing local plans, setting priorities, controlling
local resources for the provision of services and implementation of policies
and programmes. Once this policy takes root, the local authorities
and communities will be empowered to take decisions, plan and implement
local programmes to address their needs and priorities. This process will
enhance the implementation of the gender policy. |