THE IMPLICATIONS OF MALAWI SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME(SCTP) ON BENEFICIARIES’ GENDER RELATIONS IN TRADITIONALAUTHORITY CHAMBA, MACHINGA, MALAWI

Cash transfer studies have focused much on the economic dimensions of the programmes as an indication of their capacity to combat poverty and vulnerabilities with little attention directed to their implications on gender relations especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a qualitative research methodology, the study examined the implications of the longterm state-implemented Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) on gender relations at household level at Traditional Authority (TA) Chamba in Machinga district. It specifically explored how the programme affected gender-related conflicts, decision making, traditional stereotyped gender roles and anti-social expenditures in beneficiary households. The study found that the programme has positive implications on household’s gender relations. In fact, the programme reduced intrahousehold gender conflicts by improving the bargaining power of women, lessening poverty related stresses as well as through awareness raising on programme objectives and threats of deregistration. The programme also improved joint decision making over household expenditures and investments. Notwithstanding the positive gender implications, the programme reinforces some traditional gender roles and stereotypes by promoting the perception that women are primary caregivers and household managers while men are extravagant and self-serving. Basing on the findings, this study recommends that it is essential to build the knowledge and skills of programme implementers on gender and enlighten them on unintended adverse consequences that could arise from the implementation of Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme. There is also a need to complement the programme with interventions specifically designed to overcome inequalities between men and women by raising awareness about women’s rights and addressing power imbalances between men and women at household and community level. The findings of this study provide an important body of knowledge regarding the gender implications of the long-term government-implemented cash transfer programmes in development context. Due to non-generalizable nature of the findings, the study recommends conducting a similar study at national level.