AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GENDER DISPARITIES IN FORMAL EMPLOYMENT-THE CASE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MALAWI

Abstract

Gender disparities exist in employment and indeed in all other spheres of life the world over. Studies indicate that there are more men than women in employment. However, only a few studies have been done in Malawi hence the need to undertake this study in order to analyse specific determinants of disparities in formal employment in the private sector; since disparities are not only a social problem but also a developmental one.To do this, a study sample of 38% of the total population (64 companies) was selected following the rule of thumb. To collect data, a questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and document review were used. Responses from interviews were manually recorded and later coded. Data was later entered in EPIDATA and analysed using SPSS. The study indicated that men numerically dominated all sectors and occupational categories. Women were better represented in clerical category. Service sector and clerical category were female “preserves’ while industry and skilled artisan category were male ‘preserves.’ Significant relationships existed between occupational category and gender; sector and gender. Socio-cultural beliefs, norms and values influenced decisions on the education of boys and girls hence their participation in formal employment, women’s aspirations, choice of occupation and limited their career choices. They created discriminatory attitudes against women resulting in more jobs being offered to men than women and restricted their freedom of movement hence their access to job advertisements and jobs. Advertisement of some vacancies and not others by some companies disadvantaged women more than men. The study recommends, among other things, the introduction of compulsory primary education and conscious raising programmes that will change cultural beliefs and biases in the minds of parents and society as a whole.