(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-11) Kgosiemang, Mmathapelo
This research focuses on the gendering of spaces within the inner city of Johannesburg using Usindiso Ministries Women’s Shelter as a case study. This case study was chosen due to the shelter’s location in a building which used to be the old Albert Street Pass Office. The juxtaposition of the past and present realities of the space is an interesting issue to explore especially with regards to women’s experiences of gendered spaces. The primary aim of this study is to describe the complexities of the process of gendering of spaces and how it occurs as well as the shelter staff members’ perceptions of women’s experiences of safety (read inclusion and belonging) within those spaces.