Problems Facing Disabled People in Malawi: A Critical Reflection on My Encounter with a Disabled Woman in a Rural Area in Malawi

Abstract

This critical reflection is based on my encounter with a disabled woman in a district in Malawi, and how I have reflected and analyzed the encounter using social work theories. The essay reflects on the story of the disabled woman and my own perception at that time, in addition to my analysis of these perceptions using different perspectives in social work based on my current understanding of these perspectives. In line with Fook’s (2002; 68) critical reflection techniques, social work theories will be applied to deconstruct and reconstruct the critical incident. The essay highlights the challenges and dilemmas I encountered in attempting to make meaning out of this encounter, which left me helpless and powerless, as I could not offer her any sustainable help at the time. The essay begins with a background on the situation of disability in Malawi, and subsequently the critical incident is also described in detail. The analysis and reflection applies the systems theories proposed by Healy (2005) and Payne (2005) to critically understand and deconstruct the story, while the strength perspective and empowerment theories described by Howe (2009), Healy (2005) and Fook (2002) have been applied to suggest intervention points and reconstruct the story.