Gender Implications of the Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme in Machinga District, Malawi

<ns3:p>Background Studies on cash transfer programmes have mostly examined their economic dimensions as a measure of their effectiveness in combating poverty and vulnerabilities, with less attention directed to their implications on gender relations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, attainment of equitable and sustainable development needs the transformation of gendered power relations and the underlying gender roles and stereotypes. Methods This qualitative study used the Gender and Development theory to examine the gender implications of the long-term state-implemented Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Machinga district. Specifically, the study explored how the programme affected gender-related conflicts, decision making as well as gender norms and stereotypes in beneficiary households. Based on the study objectives, the thematic analysis technique was adopted to code and categorise data collected from six focus group discussions and five key informant interviews. Results The study found that the programme reduced intrahousehold gender conflict by improving the bargaining power of women and lessening poverty—related stresses. The programme also improved joint decision-making amongst spouses by improving the financial status of women and raising awareness of intimate partners on positive relations. Nonetheless, the programme reinforces some adverse gender norms and stereotypes like the view that women are household managers, which promotes unequal social relations of gender and undermines equitable development. Conclusions The study recommends building the capacity of programme implementers, such as social welfare officers, on gender transformative programming and unintended gender impacts of cash transfers. There is also a need to complement the programme with interventions specifically designed to enhance gender equality and equitable relationships within the beneficiary households. The findings add to an existing body of knowledge concerning the gender impacts of the long-term cash transfer programmes in development context and offer SCTP designers and implementers a vital reference point for effective gender transformative cash transfer programming.</ns3:p>