Gender sensitive educational policy and practice the case of Malawi

The eradication of poverty and progress towards sustainable development will only take place with increased and improved levels of education. Education is at the heart of any nation's development. The countries that have made the greatest progress in reducing poverty in recent years are those that have combined effective and equitable investment in education with sound economic policies. Education enables people to use and extend their capabilities, develop skills, improve their livelihoods and increase their earning potential. It also empowers them to participate in decision-making and in the transformation of their lives and societies. Education is central to the achievement of greater equality in society, including between men and women.

This case study is on gender-sensitive educational policy and practice in Malawi. It seeks to illuminate the educational reality of girls and boys, and factors that affect their educational achievement. The focus of this study is on qualitative indicators, whilst a number of quantitative indicators are included to provide contextual information on levels of gender equity.

In conclusion, the author makes the following observations:

• The education of boys and girls with a gender-based framework is widely acknowledged as being the single most powerful vehicle of self-advancement.
• The education of young girls is acknowledged to be the foundation of any national development and plays an important role in ensuring a safer, healthier, more environmentally sound world.
• There is no doubt that significant progress has been made at policy level to have gender-sensitive educational policies.
• The main challenge has been to put the gender-sensitive policies into practice in the school management and learning environment.