A Study on the Impact of Gender-Based Violence among Women in Rural Settings in Matapa Village, Lilongwe District, Malawi

Author(s): Jessie Mwanza and Dr. T Velmurugan

Abstract:

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a prevalent issue that affects women in rural settings, with significant implications for their physical, emotional, and social well-being. With focus on Matapa Village in Malawi, the study reveals that GBV remains a prevalent problem, with a recent study reporting that 42% of women in rural areas have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime (National Statistical Office, 2016). This includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. The impact of GBV on women in Malawi is profound, with far-reaching consequences for their health and livelihoods. Research has shown that women who experience GBV are more likely to suffer from physical injuries, mental health disorders, and chronic health conditions. (World Health Organization, 2013) ^[18]. GBV can restrict women’s access to education, employment, and social support networks, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization. Furthermore, GBV has intergenerational effects, as children who witness violence in the home are more likely to perpetrate or experience violence themselves in the future (UNICEF, 2014). In Lilongwe District, 45% of women reported experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner. 30% of women in rural areas of Lilongwe have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime and 60% experiencing emotional abuse (Ministry of Gender, 2018) ^[14]. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that address the root causes of GBV and provide support for survivors in rural communities.

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