The Weaponization of the Feminist Discourse in Malawi

Feminism in Malawi has met backlash in political spheres and social spaces. While there is a history of feminist activism in the country; misapprehension of feminist values, stereotypes and the conservative context of Malawi have led to the nourishment of anti-feminist movements. These movements have since evolved into using the feminist discourse, language and methodology in their stealth attacks on feminists in the country. This paper will illustrate the various ways in which feminist discourse has been weaponized against feminists, subsequently leading to their punishment, introduction of pseudo-legislature, and sedimentation of rigid social and gender norms. This discussion will be situated in feminist values, the global feminist movement and an exploration of the motivations of the anti-feminist movement.