AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS WORKPLACE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN THE MALAWI PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract

This study has examined the effectiveness of the strategies that the public service has put in place to address Gender Based Violence (GBV). Using qualitative methodology, individual interviews were conducted. Data was analysed through open coding. The study revealed that most institutions use Terms and Conditions of Service which do not explain clearly the behaviours which constitute sexual harassment, do not have anti sexual harassment policies, training on sexual harassment does not take place regularly, and gender inequality still exists. The study revealed that in most cases the perpetrators of sexual harassment go unpunished, victims of sexual harassment undergo counselling which is not ongoing. The study revealed that the anti-sexual harassment policy and training are successful in informing employees the behaviour which constitute sexual harassment and the procedure that can be taken for victims to lodge a complaint, however sexual harassment still exist. The study also revealed that the obstacles that the public service is facing as it is implementing the strategies to address GBV include: failure by the government to ensure that public institutions have developed anti-sexual harassment policies, lack of support from the Ministry of Gender, lack of top management support, lack of monitoring and evaluation of the strategies and most victims do not report cases of sexual harassment to management.