Strengthening Gender and Inclusivity in Malawi’s STI System

Malawi is taking bold steps to address gender and inclusivity gaps in its national science, technology, and innovation (STI) system. With women and girls making up more than half of the population, Malawi understands that inclusive participation in STI is key to achieving sustainable socio-economic development.

Persistent Gaps and Challenges

Despite policy efforts, deep-rooted inequalities remain:

• Low participation of women in research and innovation
• High adolescent birth rates and limited access to higher education for girls
• Limited representation of women in political and scientific leadership
• Strong gender norms and stereotypes, particularly in “hard sciences” like engineering

In 2019, Malawi had the third-highest gender inequality among participating SGCI countries. Only 20% of research and development (R&D) personnel were women, with a decline in their representation over time.

Policies Driving Change

Malawi’s Vision 2063 and its Gender Equality Act (2013) highlight the need to end gender-based discrimination and promote inclusive development. The National STI Policy (2002) and the National Gender Policy (2015) both promote equal access and opportunities across the STI pipeline.

Key policy strategies include:

• Promoting STEM education for girls
• Encouraging gender-inclusive employment in science
• Supporting gender-disaggregated data collection
• Strengthening institutional frameworks for inclusivity

Towards an Inclusive STI Future

To boost inclusivity, Malawi must:

• Increase budget and staffing for gender-focused STI initiatives
• Improve data systems to track gender and diversity in research
• Support networks like WISTNET and OWSD Malawi Chapter that champion women in science
• Address intersectional barriers such as location, wealth, and disability

Conclusion

By fully engaging its population—regardless of gender or background—Malawi can unlock untapped potential and advance towards a vibrant, inclusive STI ecosystem. Strengthening gender and inclusivity in science is not just about equity—it’s about driving national progress for all.