Poverty and Gender in Malawi - A background paper for the 2021 Malawi Poverty Assessment

Jul 19, 2026

Poverty and Gender in Malawi examines how gender disparities intersect with poverty dynamics in Malawi, using the analytical framework developed in “Poverty Assessments and Gender Equality—A Guidance Note for Poverty Economists.” The paper links household survey evidence (including IHS5 2019–20) to findings that women, especially single mothers and women in core productive and reproductive life stages, are more likely to be poor. It connects gender differences in labor income, agricultural opportunities, transfers, and human capital endowments with women’s agency constraints, legal context, violence against women and girls, child marriage, and limited decision-making. The analysis positions gender equality as foundational to inclusive and sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages83

Reading Time3 h 29 min

AccessFree to download

Acknowledgements

IntroductIon and framework

the IntersectIon of Poverty and Gender In malawI

Labor force participation and wage employment

Gender disparities in the agriculture sector

Household businesses

Beyond labor income—transfers and the potential to alleviate poverty

endowments: essentIal InPuts to the formatIon of human caPItal

Staying in school matters—girls at a disadvantage

Reproductive health

Disproportionate effect of HIV-AIDS on women in Malawi

women’s aGency: a crucIal drIver behInd outcomes of well-beInG

Legal context

Violence against women and girls

Child marriage

Women’s limited decision-making in private and public spheres

In closInG

aPPendIx a data and Poverty measurement detaIls

aPPendIx b methodoloGy and data

aPPendIx c women, busIness and the law 2021

references

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Poverty and Gender in Malawi A background paper for the Poverty Assessment for Malawi Poverty and Gender in Malawi A background paper for the 2021 Malawi Poverty Assessment World Bank © 2021 Poverty and Equity Global Practice / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This note was prepared by Melanie Gross (Consultant) and Miriam Muller (Social Scientist) as a background paper for the 2021 Malawi Poverty Assessment with valuable contributions from German Caruso (Senior Economist) and Lina Marcela Cardona (Economist) . The work was closely coordinated with the 2021 Malawi Gender Assessment team, led by M. Yaa Pokua Afriyie Oppong (Sector Leader) . The team gratefully acknowledges comments and inputs received from Pierella Paci (Practice Manager), Violette Mwikali Wambua (Senior Social Specialist), William G. Battaile (Lead Economist), Inaam Ul Haq (Program Leader), Marcos Puig Insúa (Consultant), and Ursula Casabonne (Consultant) . TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements 3 1. IntroductIon and framework 7 2. the IntersectIon of Poverty and Gender In malawI 11 3. Gender dIsParItIes In economIc oPPortunItIes and outcomes 21 Labor force participation and wage employment 21 Gender disparities in the agriculture sector 27 Household businesses 34 Beyond labor income—transfers and the potential to alleviate poverty 36 4. endowments: essentIal InPuts to the formatIon of human caPItal 40 Staying in school matters—girls at a disadvantage 40 Reproductive health 44 Disproportionate effect of HIV-AIDS on women in Malawi 48 5. women’s aGency: a crucIal drIver behInd outcomes of well-beInG 52 Legal context 52 Violence against women and girls—a negation of their human rights 53 Child marriage—a specific form of violence against women that limits girls’ prospects in multiple dimensions of well-being 58 Women’s limited decision-making in private and public spheres 60 6. In closInG 64 aPPendIx a data and Poverty measurement detaIls 67 aPPendIx b methodoloGy and data 70 aPPendIx c women, busIness and the law 2021 72 references 76 1. Introduction and framework Over the past several decades, Malawi has seen important improvements in several key development outcomes and a narrowing of gender gaps. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the last 30 years, infant mortality rates decreased far beyond the Sub-Saharan Africa average between 1990 and 2018, and maternal mortality rates have been reduced by more than half since 2000. Also, Malawi experienced a steep drop in fertility from 6.7 births per woman in 1990 to 4.1 in 2018,

FAQs

What does the paper focus on regarding poverty in Malawi?

The paper analyzes the intersection of poverty and gender in Malawi, showing how gender disparities shape both gendered poverty and poverty overall. It emphasizes patterns across key life stages and household compositions.

How does gender disparity show up in poverty rates and who is most affected?

The latest household survey evidence indicates women are more likely to be poor, especially single mothers and women during core productive and reproductive stages. Households with only one female adult with children are identified as the poorest among household types.

Which pathways does the paper use to explain how poverty and gender intersect?

It highlights labor-market differences, agricultural sector disparities, household business constraints, and limited income support through transfers. It also covers human capital endowments such as education and reproductive health, along with women’s agency constraints shaped by legal context and violence.

Jul 19, 2026

Upload by Genevieve