As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Malawi’s labor movement is shining a spotlight on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Malawi workplaces. GBV affects thousands of Malawian women, particularly those in informal and precarious jobs.

Challenges for women workers in Malawi

In Malawi, women workers face numerous challenges, including occupational segregation, unequal pay, and limited access to social protection and labor rights. These vulnerabilities make them more susceptible to gender-based violence, harassment, and exploitation.

The informal economy, which employs a significant portion of the country’s workforce, is particularly notorious for gender-based violence in Malawi. Women vendors, hawkers, and small-scale farmers often face harassment, abuse, and violence in the course of their work.

To combat this scourge, Malawi’s labor movement is calling for increased awareness, policy reforms, and stronger laws to protect workers from GBV. The Malawi Union for the Informal Sector (MUFIS) is at the forefront of this effort, working to organize and empower informal workers, particularly women.

“Gender-based violence in Malawi is a major obstacle to women’s economic empowerment and decent work,” said Gladys Mponda, MUFIS Vice President. “We must break the silence and work together to create safe, respectful workplaces for all.”

The role of trade unions to combat gender-based violence in Malawi

She also emphasized that workers and organization should agree on policies to prevent and address gender-based violence in the workplace and empower women workers to take action, whether physical or sexual.

“Encourage discussion and provide training on recognizing and challenging harmful gender norms, stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate violence in workplace and communities,” she said.

As Malawi joins the global campaign to end gender-based violence, it is essential to recognize the critical role that labor movements and unions can play in preventing gender-based violence in Malawi and promoting gender equality.

“We must always educate about the signs and effects of gender-based violence, so they can better and easily recognize when someone may be experiencing it. We must also offer support and a listening ear to victims, and find a necessary way that may help them,” said Mponda.

This article was written by Media Activist Uthman Kaisi.