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Disability inclusive employment in urban Malawi: A multi‐perspective interview study

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  • Jennifer Remnant
  • Lena Wånggren
  • Sarah Huque
  • Katherine Sang
  • Limbani Kachali
  • James Richards

Abstract

The paper presents interview data from Malawian government representatives, trade unionists, employers and people with disabilities from the country's largest cities Lilongwe and Blantyre. Findings relate to the gap between the discourse of employers and government officials and that of workers with disabilities. Firstly, we find a policy‐based assumption of a formalised workforce that is not representative of the predominantly informal disabled workforce. Secondly, the disruptive, intermittent and often reactive nature of non‐governmental organisation (NGO) interventions can limit long‐term inclusivity agendas and undermine the work of disabled activists in Malawi. Lastly, we present findings on the stigmatised nature of disability in these urban centres. We find that stigma is economic: Urban workers with disabilities are discriminated against locally by employers, landlords and banks on assumptions they will not produce or earn enough to meet productivity demands, rent or repayment costs.

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  • Jennifer Remnant & Lena Wånggren & Sarah Huque & Katherine Sang & Limbani Kachali & James Richards, 2022. "Disability inclusive employment in urban Malawi: A multi‐perspective interview study," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(5), pages 1002-1017, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:34:y:2022:i:5:p:1002-1017
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mary Wickenden & Philip Mader & Stephen Thompson & Jackie Shaw, 2022. "Mainstreaming disability inclusive employment in international development," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(5), pages 933-941, July.

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