<b>T</b><b>H</b><b>E IMPLICATIONS OF MALAWI SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME (SCTP) ON BENEFICIARIES’ GENDER RELATIONS IN TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY CHAMBA, MACHINGA, MALAWI</b>

A lot of 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 long-term 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 argues that the programme has positive implications on household’s gender relations by reducing intrahousehold gender conflicts and improving joint decision making over household expenditures and investments. However, the programme has some unintended negative gender implications such as reinforcement of adverse stereotyped genders roles by promoting the traditional view 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 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 in community. Since a case study design was used, the study recommends further investigations into gender implications of the Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme at national level.