Poverty, inequality and access to land: the lived realities of women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Abstract

This research focuses on the considerable challenges that women in rural KwaZulu-Natal encounter in gaining access to vital economic resources, particularly land. It underscores the substantial responsibilities borne by Zulu women, who not only support their families but also engage in efforts to alleviate poverty and achieve economic growth. These challenges are deeply ingrained in long-established cultural traditions and are perpetuated by a dominant patriarchal system. Historical analysis reveals that South Africa's attempts at land reform have been unsuccessful in addressing the wrongs of the colonial and apartheid eras, including those related to gender bias. Adopting a case study method and informed by Structuration Theory and Black Feminist Theory, this study explores the impact of poverty, inequality, and limited land access on women in rural KwaZulu-Natal. It combines insights from the cultural-social sphere and the political- economic sphere to highlight the specific obstacles these women encounter in their pursuit of land. The research involved interviews with 29 participants from rural KwaZulu-Natal, including local women, farmers, government officials, civil society members, and traditional institution leaders. Through thematic analysis, the study captures the stories of these women, revealing how discrimination and gender inequality—rooted in conventional gender roles—bar them from participating in decision-making processes. Such entrenched issues not only curtail the opportunities available to women but also impede the country's efforts towards achieving economic stability, enhancing food security, and reducing the feminization of poverty. The participants strongly voiced their desire for reform and pointed out the intricate dynamics between government policies and traditional practices, emphasizing the inefficacy of current policies and the ongoing legal and customary obstacles that prevent their access to land. The research highlights the essential role of land in rural communities, vital for both agriculture and sustaining livelihoods. It calls for the creation of a Restorative Land Human Dignity Commission and a detailed monitoring framework to evaluate the effect of land policies on gender inequality in KwaZulu-Natal.