Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37997
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Item Azibuye Emasisweni: Exploring Everyday Notions of Zulu Nationalism Through the Women in the Hostels of Alexandra Township(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makhathini, Sinqobile; Mngomezulu, NosiphoThis thesis explores the lives of four women who ethnically identify as Zulu within the hostels of Alexandra. Hostels, which refer to the housing compounds that were established as ethnically segregated and gender-distinguished spheres for the colonial migrant labour system, have become an essential axis for Zulu nationalist revival away from Kwa-Zulu Natal. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, I examine how Mam’Dlamini (57 years), the Nduna of Madala hostel and three hostel residents: Nokukhanya (23years), Mam’Nzama (55 years), Nokwazi (21 years), engage and shape forms of Zulu nationalism within their everyday life. I further engaged in autoethnography, whereby I positioned myself as the fifth participant, undertaking self-reflexivity about my identification as a Zulu woman. My work is invested in ukuzwa ngenkaba, listening with the umbilical cord, which is to say, centring African epistemologies in the ways we research (Mkhize 2023). In this way, I think through Fox and Miller-Idriss’ (2008) four modalities of everyday nationhood (talking, choosing, consuming and performing the nation) within Zulu conceptual frames. In my research, I found that in “talking the nation'' women used ulimi and ukuncelisa both literally and figuratively to signal membership and centre the role of mothers in shaping Zulu subjectivity. The framing of choices as national is understood by participants as more than individual articulations of personal agency but importantly incorporates inherited traditions. Ordinary people are not simply uncritical consumers of the nation; they are simultaneously its creative producers through everyday acts of consumption (Fox et al 2008, 505). My research shows how rituals become fertile sites for enacting Zulu personhood through specific forms of consumption and production. Performing the nation was evidenced through the women’s embodied expressions of inhlonipho. These themes have allowed for the understanding of how women do not remain hidden within notions of co-constituting but rather preserve this order from and beyond their matriarchal hold of the hostel.Item Caste and Colourism: Constructions of beauty among women in the historically Indian area of Chatsworth, Durban(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moodley, Paalini Jasanthini; Mngomezulu, NosiphoThis research study has set out to uncover the silences surrounding caste and colourism, and the influence of this on constructions of beauty standards among women in the Chatsworth Indian community. My fieldwork consisted of participant observations and interviews over the course of four weeks at a beauty parlour in Chatsworth, with a predominantly Indian women clientele. There were six participants in this study who consisted of the owner of the beauty parlour, Sandhya, the nail technicians, Mahati and Nidhi, the threaders, Yukti and Kalyani, and the hairdresser, Lavana. Throughout the chapters within this study, I argue that despite the language of caste rarely spoken, it exists as a reconfigured caste system determined by culture and colour, significantly influencing women’s perceptions of beauty. Moreover, certain standards of beauty that favour lighter skin tones as a result of systemic prejudice, influence women to partake in beauty treatments that feed into this ideal. Lastly, women’s choices in certain treatments are severely influenced by their desire to please a man, impress a mother-in-law, flaunt social status to family through a lighter skin tone, and fit an ideal standard of beauty. In theorising beauty, I draw on feminist and postcolonial perspectives, contextualising beauty within historical, socio-cultural, socio-economic, and socio-political dimensions. I use Hauntology as a framework in unmasking the recursive force of caste which consumes women’s everyday lives, dictating marriage criterion, popularity, status, affluence, and beauty standardsItem Supporting women smallholder farmers in Eswatini: Comparing those in cooperatives to those outside of cooperatives(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lukhele, Ntfombiyenkhosi Patricia; Kenny, BridgetIn Eswatini, women contribute significantly to the agriculture sector, and in rural areas, women’s labour is not compensated. Diverse reasons have led women to organize themselves into cooperatives, societies, and organizations to increase their earnings. Agricultural cooperatives are said to increase access to markets, credit, and to increase productive capacity. Those who operate outside of cooperatives would be excluded from such due to inadequate purchasing power, an absence of productive assets, or cultural barriers. This study examines the support accessible to women smallholder farmers who are members of a cooperative and those who are not members of a cooperative. It compares the two categories based on support received in order to evaluate the usefulness of cooperatives to these women farmers. Qualitative interviews were used to investigate these dynamics with 16 interviewees and thematic analysis was applied. The analysis shows that a cooperative in Eswatini in the Manzini region under the Ludzeludze constituency does not experience most of the support afforded to cooperatives and those operating individually succeed without the benefits of being members of a cooperative. This was depicted in the areas of accessing markets, credit, and in assessing the impact of social capital on farmers. I conclude that support for smallholder farmers in a cooperative is available in the areas of informal markets, accessing credit, training, and with government subsidies, it is not easily accessible, and that support for women smallholder farmers outside of cooperatives is available in workshops and trade fairs. The study contributes to the understanding of how important it is to engage women farmers in the kind of support they need and how women smallholder farmers should be given adequate support just like farmers in cooperatives. Important to note is how the study highlights the important role of social capital in accessing resources from the state and NGOs. The study compared women cooperative farmers to women non-cooperative farmers and attention was placed on the kind of support that is available to them from the state and NGOs.Item I thought I was dying”: Menstruation experiences, knowledge gaps, and knowledge-seeking practices among young black South African women(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mahumapelo, Mmabatho; Lewins, KeziaThis research studies how (if at all) and to what degree knowledge about menstruation and menstrual health is disseminated; how it is received and from whom; how the quality of the source is determined, and how the information received shapes the recipient’s understanding of their own body. I contribute to existing literature by investigating how black South African women gather knowledge on menstruation and how the sources of information they encounter shape their perceptions and experiences of menstruation. By drawing upon literature on the menstruation experiences of women in the Global South and especially the African continent, I explore and analyse how the intersectionality of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, culture, and tradition shape what and how South African girls learn about menstruation pre-menarche, at the onset of menarche and post-menarche. Semi- structured interviews with young black South African women of menstruating age from diverse backgrounds in South Africa reveal retrospective accounts of their menstruation experiences from menarche until date. Through these interviews, I establish the important knowledge sources on menstruation in the lives of these women and uncover the effectiveness and reliability of these sources for knowledge on menstruation. I also explore the possibility of knowledge gaps, communication delays and the subsequent knowledge seeking strategies applied to meet any learning deficits. I explore how primary networks such as parents, schools, friends, and peer groups influence menstruators, and consider the awareness of, access to and use of alternative resources like digital media and mHealth tools like period tracking apps to build on prior knowledge. The study draws upon feminist, shame, and self-policing (Foucault) theories to explain the social inferences about menstruation. In addition, I apply Jaccard et al.’s (2002) five aspects of communication to explain how sharing and receiving knowledge on menstruation is influenced by the characteristics of those who are engaging in the communication, their context, the content of the message communicated and how the message is delivered. The study shows that girls and young women pick up information from multiple sources and knowledge accumulates as they progress on their menstruation journey. In some cases, information on menstruation is shared actively by parents or primary caregivers and schools while in other cases, menstruators learn about aspects of menstruation passively. Where information received is insufficient, girls and young women rely on online sources like Google, social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, and period tracking apps for knowledge. This research contributes fresh insights to the discussion of menstruation in South African women by placing menstruation at the forefront of discussions with youth about sexual and reproductive health.Item “They will never know what we lost when we lost our home”: How Do Women in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, Remember Forced Removals (1960-1990)?(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Isaack, Jeaneth Samantha; Julian BrownThis thesis focuses on the enduring impact of forced removals and the significance of land dispossession in present-day South African politics. It is based on interviews I conducted with women who experienced forced removals in the 1970s from areas surrounding Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Much of the literature on forced removals focuses on the event of the removals and less on the aftermath of the event particularly from the perspective of the women who have often had to lead the rebuilding of households, communities and local economies. Access to land and land ownership is today still a contested topic despite government initiatives to remedy the injustices of the past. Using a feminist lens in conducting this research means identifying the need to highlight and put forth women’s experiences of land dispossession in ongoing land debates. Moreover, the study is a contribution to the limited literature on the long- term effects of dispossession for those who experienced forced removals in the country. Furthermore, this study illustrates the limits of the current land reform policy in addressing the far-reaching effect of the removals as is revealed through interviews with the women who experienced forced removals. In this study, I argue that the current approach of restitution cannot be successful unless it acknowledges the ongoing nature of the experience of forced removals. Remembering and referring to the past is part of the initiative to establish a better future for the vast majority of previously (and often still) disadvantaged people.Item Fluid Justice: Tracing The Experiences Of Women Navigating Urban Water Insecurity In Luveve In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dube, Gugulethu Violet; Joynt, KatherineWater insecurity, exacerbated by population growth and climate change, poses significant global challenges. Especially in developing countries, where decreasing water supply, contaminated sources and inadequate infrastructure disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Women, often primary caregivers, bear the brunt of these challenges as they are typically responsible for water collection, impacting their educational and economic opportunities. This report delves into the complex impact of water insecurity on women in an urban township in Luveve, Bulawayo, while also addressing the broader issue of global water insecurity and advocating for water access as a fundamental human right essential for poverty reduction. Employing a combination of semi-structured interviews, critical reading, and a feminist lens rooted in Social Reproduction Theory (S.R.T.) and Feminist Political Ecology (F.P.E.) alongside urban vulnerability theory, I explore the interplay between gender and water access. Our findings challenge the conventional narrative surrounding women's vulnerabilities to water insecurity, revealing diverse experiences shaped by factors like gender, socio-economic status, and household and community dynamics. Informed by these insights, the report identifies key challenges and proposes context-specific interventions to address women's needs in urban townships. By incorporating these interventions, development practitioners can advance more equitable and practical solutions, driving the empowerment and resilience of women grappling with water insecurity in developing country contexts. At the heart of this objective lies the concept of "fluid justice," which I define as the dynamic and context-specific pursuit of fairness and equity in water access, distribution, and management. This principle underscores the commitment to exploring nuanced and responsive approaches to tackling water insecurity, ensuring that interventions are sensitive to affected communities' diverse needs and experiences.Item The Relationship Between Sensory Disability Status and Contraceptive Use Among Women Aged 15- 49 Years Old In South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sifora, Kutlwano Katlego Kimberly; De Wet-Billings, NicoleBackground: Studies suggest that disability significantly hinders access to reproductive health services, particularly family planning, in low- and middle-income countries. Women with disabilities have a low contraceptive use rate, leading to increased risks of unintended pregnancies and health complications. This study examined the relationship between sensory disability status and contraceptive use in South Africa. A sensory disability is a condition that affects one or more of the body's sensory functions like sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell. In this study, sensory disabilities focused on hearing and visual impairments. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design using the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. The study focused on women of reproductive age (15–49 years old) in South Africa, who were sexually active and provided information on both their contraceptive use and sensory disability status. The outcome variable of this study was contraceptive use, and the main independent variable was sensory disability status. The control variables included demographic characteristics namely age, race, marital status, province, and place of residence, as well as socioeconomic characteristics such as employment status, wealth status, education, family planning messages, and contraceptive knowledge. The analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 on a weighted sample of 6 683 sexually active women aged 15–49 years old who answered questions on contraceptive use. The data analysis was done in three phases. For the first phase, cross-tabulations and chi-square analysis were used to demonstrate the levels of contraceptive use as well as all characteristics of women. For the second phase, bivariate binary logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between each of the independent variables and the outcome variable of contraceptive use. Lastly, for the third phase, a stepwise multivariate binary logistic regression was utilised to determine the relationship between sensory disability status and contraceptive use among women aged 15– 49 years old in South Africa. Results: Among South African women of reproductive age, 55.4% were using contraceptives. Women with sensory disabilities were shown to have lower odds of using contraceptives than those without sensory disabilities, even after adjusting for all other variables [OR: 0.78, CI: 0.63873 - 0.95227]. Significant associations with contraceptive use were observed for factors xi including age, race, marital status, education and province. Compared to women aged 15–24, women aged 35–39 had a much lower likelihood of using contraceptives. [OR: 0.46, CI: 0.38150 - 0.55364]. Women from races other than black were also observed to have lower odds for contraceptive use compared to black women [OR: 0.75, CI: 0.61098 - 0.92237]. Conversely, married women were significantly more likely to use contraceptives than women who were never married [OR: 1.23, CI: 1.05328 - 1.42899]. Additionally, women with secondary [OR: 1.98, CI: 1.28089 - 3.07512] or higher education [OR: 2.40, CI: 1.49931 - 3.83750] exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of contraceptive usage compared to those lacking formal education. Women residing in Western Cape [OR: 1.83, CI: 1.29743 - 2.57637], Eastern Cape [OR: 1.66, CI: 1.27747 - 2.15886], Northern Cape [OR: 1.61, CI: 1.18574 - 2.19087], KwaZulu Natal [OR: 1.51, CI: 1.17797 - 1.92456], North West [OR: 1.43, CI: 1.01266 - 2.01228], and Mpumalanga [OR: 1.50, CI: .15808 - 1.93439] were found to have a higher likelihood of using contraceptives compared to women residing in Limpopo. Conclusions: Low contraceptive use among women with sensory disabilities in South Africa highlights the need for inclusive reproductive health services, addressing communication, information access, and societal attitudes to ensure informed decisions.Item Women in Union Leadership: A case study of the Ghana Public Service Workers’ Union (PSWU.(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Eva, Oteng; Sefalafa, ThabangThis research examines the extent to which affirmative policies (gender mainstreaming, gender equality) lead to substantive improvements in the position of women within the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) in Ghana. The research data for this study was collected using two methods: An online survey that focused on the experience and perceptions of 46 women leaders in the National Executive Council (NEC). The research is a mixed method in the sense that it generated both qualitative and quantitative data. Semi-structured interviews online with 7 key stakeholders, including women and men, in the national office. Data was triangulated to deal with issues of validity and reliability. Analysis is framed under how the equality plan has been implemented in PSWU and the challenges in terms of women’s leadership efforts in decision-making. It was observed that improvement in women participation in the union is because of gender mainstreaming policy and interventions. This proves an argument in a similar study by Britwun et al (2014) that when women are significantly represented in leadership especially in the mainstream there is a possibility of achieving negotiations for women related issues that is perceived as cost to the organisation. This cost includes childcare facilities and additional maternal/paternal leave (Britwum et al 2014). The survey also projects that there are women leaders who play double roles in the union and at home which affects performances and contributions to union affairs as stated by Kirton and Healy (2008,4) in their research stated that “paid work and work in the home constitute a ‘double burden’ and trade union participation (and other such voluntary activities) adds another ‘burden’ for many women''. The trend of domestic or household responsibilities should be carefully studied and used as a tool to address the issue of women’s lack of interest and commitment to union activities and other leadership roles. iii In this regard, increase in women's representation increases women’ consciousness about their demands and strives to realize them.Item The role of Mzansi Magic’s ‘Makoti, Are You the One’ in facilitating gender discourses(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Vabaza, Ncumisa; Muparamoto, Nelson; Vanyoro, KudzaiisheThe South African Bill of rights prohibits all forms of discrimination based on gender and sex. The government through the National Development Plan encourages stakeholder involvement in the promotion of gender equality. Yet, the experiences of women in various spheres reveal that normative patriarchal socialization persists. This research evaluates the role of local media in facilitating gender discourses that permeate modern-day South African society. This research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) and critical diversity literacy (CDL) to interpret the dominant gender discourses on the locally produced reality television show Makoti Are You the One? CDA and CDL are used to interpret the representation techniques used to empower and disempower men and women respectively. The research adopts a qualitative research approach, specifically non-participatory observation to comprehend the dynamics in the relationships between the show’s male-female participants as well as the inter-group relationships between female participants on the show. Using discourse, framing and gender theories the study provides an understanding of the techniques used by the media in representing gender, and how these contribute to the co-construction of social meanings assigned to gender. The findings show a persistent imbalance in the representation of gender through local programming, by hegemonically positioning men in superior standing to women who are represented as subjects in their homes and the broader society. These imbalances are contrary to the ideals of gender equality.Item In Search of Blackwomen’s Voices – Engendering South African Liberation Movement(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Rodwell, Karabo-Maya; Shange, KholekaThe Black Consciousness Movement played a vital role in South Africa’s fight for liberation against the apartheid government. A significant part of this movement were the Black women that risked their lives for the country. Despite the work that they have all done and continue to do, Black women in this movement have faced multiple challenges related to their gender. I am interested in sharing the experiences of these women to add to the growing literature on the role and impact of Black women in South Africa’s history. To do this, I conducted interviews with six Black women over six months, between July 2022 and January 2023, all of whom have been involved in the Black Consciousness Movement. The participants in this research represent a small glimpse into the experiences of Black women in South African liberation movements. This research report follows the lived experiences of Black women in South Africa’s liberation movement, looking specifically at the Black Consciousness Movement. My research found that while each of these women were involved in the movement at different time periods, and in different areas of South Africa, many of their experiences overlap. I have broken these findings into three major themes. The first ethnographic chapter follows their early consciousness building and when they believe they came into consciousness. This chapter explores the formative years of Black women in the Black Consciousness Movement, namely who and or what influenced their political consciousness. The second ethnographic chapter examines Black women’s subjective interpretations of Black Consciousness and the impact this has on the self. While they were all part of the same movement they all seemed to have experienced the ideology differently. The third and final ethnographic chapter interrogates the marginalisation of Black women in the BCM. Here I discuss how women joined this structure for the emancipation of Black people at large, as well as connections to the ideology, and yet many felt that as women they were not always allowed the space to fully participate.