Exploring the role of women in development in the case of Sweetwater, uMgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The study intends to survey the difficulties that are influencing the local area of Sweetwater with respect to development. The study’s primary focus was on ‘women in development’ by highlighting the intersection of gender and culture that gives inadvertently unequal opportunities amongst the genders. This study explored the role of women in development in the case of Sweetwater, uMgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal. A desktop study was used to analyze the role of women in development. No primary data was collected for this study. Radical feminism theory was used in this study. The objectives of the study are to explore gender roles through a cultural lens in Sweetwater, uMgungundlovu; to examine the opportunities that women encounter in development in the study area; to examine the challenges that women face in development in Sweetwater, uMgungundlovu and to explore the challenges in the land tenure reform program in Sweetwater. Findings indicate that a grassroots movement is required to eliminate the inequalities and social injustice that prevail among gender. The findings show that South Africa has suffered great historical events. However, the researcher believes that despite of all the historical events, culture oppresses women and their role in development. The Msunduzi municipality advocates for a green economy. It is progressing although it still encounters challenges with addressing equality amongst gender. The inequalities affect women the most. The inequalities amongst genders deprive women of an opportunity to enhance their livelihoods. The unity in society would assist in rectifying the injustice against women that took place during the colonial and apartheid era. To promote gender equality; the traditional leaders, communities, and the government should work together to promote sustainable livelihoods to improve their position in society. Women should participate in women empowerment; there should be fair distribution of land and resources and there should be government interventions and Gender equality awareness programs.