ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the southern African countries of Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, commonly referred to as the front-line states because of their geo-political position in relation to the Republic of South Africa. Widespread sexual discrimination affected women adversely, and racial segregation accentuated the situation of "coloured" and African women. Women's problems in Malawi have been shaped by that country's small size, lack of natural resources, and high population density. The effects of South African instigated destabilization continue to devastate the economy and disrupt everyday life. Pressing development issues include restructuring Namibia's relationship with South Africa, redistributing land and wealth, and improving agricultural production. The establishment of women's desks and the appointment of a few women to high-level positions in ministries concerned with family, welfare, and agriculture risk relegating women's concerns to a ghetto of special issues.
