3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Investigation known cancer susceptibility genes in black SOUTH AFRICAN breast cancer individuals(2018) Pitere, ReabetsweBreast cancer is an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality in black South African women. Of all diagnosed cases of breast cancer in European populations, approximately 5-10% of these arise due to an inherited mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are the primary contributors to inherited breast cancer (IBC). However, mutations in other high, moderate and low susceptibility genes have also been identified. Previous studies indicate that approximately 10% of young black South Africans with breast cancer have a deleterious mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. It would, therefore, be pertinent to determine what is contributing to disease in the remainder of the young high-risk black South African breast cancer patients by investigating other genes which are known to confer cancer susceptibility. In addition to a breast cancer syndrome, biallelic BRCA2 mutations can also result in a Fanconi anaemia (FA) phenotype. Previous studies have identified overlapping BRCA2 mutations, c.582G>A and c.5771_5774delTTCA, in patients with either breast cancer or FA. Approximately 80% of black South African patients with FA are found to be homozygous for the c.637_643delTACCGCC mutation in the FANCG gene. The relationship between this FANCG mutation and breast cancer in the black South African population has not been previously determined. The main aim of the study was to increase current knowledge of the molecular basis of breast cancer in the black South African population. The study initially focussed on genotyping the two BRCA2 mutations (c.582G>A and c.5771_5774delTTCA) in a sample of black South African women with breast cancer to determine the frequencies of these proposed common mutations in this population. This was followed by the construction of haplotypes using the BRCA2 mutations to evaluate the presence of a founder effect for each mutation. The study also aimed to screen for the FANCG c.637_643delTACCGCC mutation in breast cancer patients to determine its role in breast cancer development.Item Constructions of femininity in the context of sexual relationships among women living in the rural Eastern Cape province, South Africa(2018) Shai, Phambili NwabisaThe goal of this thesis was to explore constructions of femininity in the context of women's sexual relationships and women's vulnerability to HIV infection and Gender Based Violence. This drew from female research participants' experiences and perceptions of womanhood and considered their socioeconomic conditions, networks, sexual practices and experiences in relationships of women, as well as prevailing gender norms at the community level. Understanding constructions of femininity will shed light on what aspects of femininity make women vulnerable to HIV or Gender Based Violence (GBV) and contribute to the development of effective prevention interventions. Drawing on ethnographic methods, I conducted participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups over a period of 4 months among adult women living in the Mpondoland area of the rural Eastern Cape province in South Africa. The data consists of 40 in-depth interviews with 26 women, 4 focus group discussions with over 40 women and field notes. Infonned consent for the interviews, focus groups, and audio recording were obtained prior to collecting data. The data was transcribed and translated verbatim from IsiXhosa to English. Thematic analysis was conducted inductively and yielded four major themes namely, community expectations and perceptions, women's self-perceptions and what sort of women they were, social background, aspirations, and sexual relationships and sexual practices. Ethical approval was obtained for the study and participants gave infonned consent. The findings show the ideal femininity emphasised notions of female dignity, perseverance, respectfulness, obedience, constructiveness and sexual passivity, all accessible to women through marriage. Being married was widely associated with female success and emphasised women uphold practices and ideologies to benefit the husbands and the affinal family. Being married was highly valued and the married femininity ideal occupied the top of a hierarchical order among other femininities. In a context of low rates of marriage, unmarried women carved their own version of femininity: the modified dignified femininity drawing on the ideal feminine attributes. Within the modified dignified unmarried femininity were the idikazi, isifebe, and the adapted modern girl models of femininities. The idikazi femininity was associated with dating married men, female multiple partnering and transactional sex, exchanging sex for money and other resources and upheld notions of dignity which were not present in the isifebe model. The isifebe model is an accentuated version of idikazi marked by the preoccupation with eating men, for sex and material benefits, and was involved high levels of risk-taking in the context of female multiple partnering and transactional sex. The adapted modern girl femininity focused on acquiring fun, money and material resources from men, but its operation varied from rural to urban settings. Urban women’s version of the modern girl emphasised partying and drinking and avoidance of sex with men who financed their fun, ukulahla. In the rural version of the modem girl put less emphasis on avoiding ukulahla. The findings indicated that in addition to hierarchical configurations of femininity, there was fluidity, facilitating women's oscillation between femininities depending on their marital status, harmony in intimate relationships, socioeconomic conditions and aspirations. Femininities were shaped within a context of unequal gender relations and power between men and women and subjugation of women. Negative male behaviour such as male multiple partnering and infidelity, lack of financial support to families and children and some forms of intimate partner violence were prevalent and nonnative, but women lacked effective resources to stop these. However, women's agency and resilience were visible in the creation of livelihoods with the contribution of social networks. Women's strife for success involved competition among women which highlighted female acquiescence and complicity with male power within a dominant patriarchal gender order. Female sexuality was restricted such that married and unmarried women survived by portraying conservative public images while exploring more sexual attitudes and expressiveness in private discourses with other women and sexual relations with male partners. Female multiple partnering and transactional sex with casual partners were among the ways women's sexuality was explored and women sought to keep these private. This thesis supports Connell’s theory on constructions of femininities: the ideal femininity is tailored to the existing hegemonic masculinity in a local setting, exists among other femininities, has no hegemony over them as with masculinity due to its construction based on subordination to male power, but it marginalises and stigmatises other femininities that do not conform with the current gender order on ideal femininity. The thesis has also advanced our understanding of the dimensions and manifestations of femininities in the context of rural Mpondo women and their HIV and GBV risk. Marriage is the main attribute for women’s access to ideal femininity and places married women at the top of the hierarchy to perpetuate tolerance and complicity with male gender power. Though ideal, the married femininity is the most undermined and subordinated but other femininities draw from its values - even ideal femininity itself is unattainable to married and unmarried women alike. Fluidity in femininities enables women to oscillate between ideal femininity, dignified unmarried femininities including the risky models of femininity thus positioning women differently with regards to HIV and GBV risk. The findings demonstrate how constructions of femininity intersect with women’s health risks and human rights violation at a micro-community level, and women’s resilience, risk-taking and agency in the context of adversity for love and/or survival.Item Reasons why women present with late stages of cervical cancer at Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital(2016-11-04) Mbodi, LangananiBackground and objectives Current estimates of the number of new cases of cervical cancer in South Africa suggest that there are about 5743 new cases and 3027 deaths from the disease per year. It is still unclear or poorly defined why women present late. The purpose of this study was to determine the stages of cervical cancer that women present with at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and to identify factors associated with late presentation. Methods This was a prospective study conducted at all the gynecology units of the O& G department at CHBAH in Soweto, Gauteng Province over 12 months period between January and December 2013. Results A total of 111 women were recruited into the study. Only 104 women were included in the study. Two (2) women withdrew due to personal reasons. Three (3) women were excluded as their fully histology report could not be retrieved. Two (2) women could not continue with the interview due to pain and discomfort. x The mean age of women was 50.2 years (SD±12.30) with an IQR of 40.50-49.50. The mean ages for stage 1 were 42.22 (SD±10.34), 51.00 (SD±12.54) for stage 2, 51.60 (SD±12.34) for stage 3 and 47.10 (SD±13.35) for stage 4 [p-value of 0.16]. The majority of women (67.31%) in our study are from a poor socio-economic environment with a combined family earning of less than three thousands rand. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was the commonest reason for consultation (48.54%). 43 women (41.75%) first discussed the problems with their family members for input and advice before consulting any healthcare facility. Almost 48% of women still do not know about Pap smear. Conclusion Women with late stages of cervical cancer are more likely to be older than 50 years, come from a low socio-economic background and more likely to have not completed high school. There is an increase in incidences of adeno-carcinoma presenting with stages 3 and 4 of the disease. Vaginal bleeding remain the commonest symptom and probably a red flag for cervical cancer in post-menopausal women. However, many women delay seeking healthcare in our public health facility even after identifying the signs and symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer. We speculate discussing with family members and seeking opinion could be the result for delayed consultation. There is a need to continued education on cervical cancer warning signs and screening programs.Item Assessment of coping skills of single divorced Venda women(2002) Ramuthaga, Ndivhuho AliceSingle parent family structure is becoming prevalent in South Africa as a result of divorce or separation. Venda, as part of South Africa is not immune from divorce, however traditional values have an impact on this issue amongst Venda women. Venda like other African nations that value their culture, is in transition to Westernisation. Marriage is greatly valued and is viewed as an avenue for security, social and emotional fulfillment. Girls are raised to believe that the dignity of the mistress of the house demands concealment of dissension within it. Venda women are expected to stay in and preserve their marriage no matter how difficult it becomes. Modern women who are increasingly better educated and more conscious of their rights, often feel they must challenge their husbands and may seek divorce when the marriage is intolerable. Although women in Venda are seeking divorce more frequently, conflict arises between cultural background and Westernisation. Divorced women are not acceptable, regarded as failures and are denigrated by society. Due to the kind of issues that divorce women in Venda are faced with, a survey assessing their coping skills was conducted on 50 divorced women with children and working in an industrial area at Shayandima in Venda. The demographic questionnaire and translated “Ways of Coping” scale (Revised) by Folkman and Lazarus (1984) as adapted for the purpose of this study was used. The results of the study reflected the different kinds of coping mechanisms used, i.e denial, avoidance, regression, counterphobia, rigidity, projection, self - destructive behavior, inventive behavior and dependency. Most of the women exhibited symptoms of depression, and were not aware of their mental condition.Item Women in construction: hindrances that shorten the professional working life of female site engineers on construction sites in South Africa(2015-05-05) Sangweni, NondumisoThe issues relating to women in construction exist internationally and, over the years they have been analysed from affirmative action Piper (2002) to cultural beliefs Hopkins & McManus (1998) job satisfaction and development Dabke (2008) and perception and professional acceptance Perreault (1992) & Enshassia (2008). In South Africa, following studies have been analysed, Verway (2005) looked at comparative analysis between SA and USA women entrepreneurs in construction, Mjolo-Mncube (2005) analysed opportunities for women in housing and construction, Mahlobo (2006) looked at challenges faced by women contractors in housing construction. However, not much emphasis has been put around hindrances that shorten the professional working life of female site engineers on construction sites in South Africa. The study adopted qualitative research method. Fifteen female site engineers currently working on construction sites for different construction companies were selected for questionnaires and open ended interview questions. Major findings identified discrimination, construction culture, work-conflict, glass ceiling, under representation of women and impact of cultural beliefs to be the hindrances that shorten the professional working life of female site engineers on construction sites. To retain female site engineers in the construction industry, it is recommended that employers introduce flexible work schedule; introduce mentorship programs and give them the same opportunities as their male counterparts in order to create more diversity in the sector thus increasing creativity and efficiency. Keywords: construction, site, engineers, work-life balance, hindrances, women, culture.Item Monitoring and evaluation for crime prevention: the 16 days of no violence against women and children campaign(2014-01-02) Bosilong, Kgomotso Pearl.South Africa has the highest levels of violent crime in the world and is home to high levels of violence against women and children. In response to the challenge imposed by the high level of crime and violence, the South African Government initiated the development of the National Crime Prevention Strategy(NCPS). One of the goals of the NCPS is to identify and implement programmes to prevent crime and to support, protect and empower victims of crime and violence, with special focus on women and children. Responding to the international call to prevent and act against women and child abuse and within the ambit of the NCPS, the 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (referred to as the 16 Days Campaign in this research) was established in1999. The main aim of the 16 Days Campaign is to generate an increased awareness of the negative impact of crime and violence on women and children thus contributing to the prevention of crime and violence against women and children. The first impact assessment of the 16 Days Campaign was undertaken by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2009. The CSIR report states that the 16 Days Campaign has not yet showed a positive impact due to the lack of proper planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system tofacilitate the assessment of its impact. The majority of Government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that participated in this research (99%) do not know the tools used to monitor and evaluate the 16 Days Campaign. Each department or participating NGO works in silos and does not share good practice on M&E of the 16 Days Campaign, rendering planning, implementation inadequate and subsequently M&E inconsistent. This research demonstrates that the GCIS Tracker Survey and Exit Reports are not effective M&E Tools for the 16 Days Campaign. It proposes a iii comprehensive M&E Framework based on the insight from the literature review, good practice and inputs from participants. The M&E Framework facilitates the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and impact assessment of the 16 Days Campaign.Item Shaping identity : personal narratives of women's birth experiences.(2013-03-15) Verrall, Sandi-LynnThe purpose of this study was to explore the childbirth narratives of first-time mothers in order to understand and describe the ways in which experiencing birth for the first time shaped their personal identities and identities as women. The study was guided by a qualitative postmodern research approach and involved conducting in-depth interviews with eight South African first-time mothers. The narrative accounts of these mothers were then analysed in two stages in order to present the findings. Firstly, using a holistic-content narrative analysis approach, significant themes that emerged from the data analysis were contextualised and organised in relation to the holistic accounts and interpretations of participants’ experiences in order to present how their personal identities were shaped through the experience of giving birth for the first time. Secondly, by conducting a qualitative thematic content analysis, shared common themes emerging from participant’s narratives were presented to understand in what ways individual elements interrelated to all participants’ identities in general, with a focus on female-gender identity. The findings reinforce the message that women’s personal and shared social identities are indeed significantly shaped by their first time childbirth experiences. These findings lend voice to women’s experiences and may serve to deepen insight for individuals and professionals working with perinatal women.Item The manager-coach's roles and skills as needed to optimise the work-life balance of working women.(2013-02-18) Gouveia, Lynda JaneCoaching has been identified as a primary means of enabling growth, development, retention and change amongst those employed in organisations. Executive and external coaching are the primary means of delivering this coaching, and, as a result, coaching often only reaches those at the most senior levels of the organisation. The use of the manager-coach in South African organisations is not widespread but coaching has been identified as a key component of effective leadership in the 21st century and it has been suggested that it is a key leadership style. This research therefore explores the roles that manager-coaches can play in an organisation as well as the skills required to optimise this role. This research therefore took place in an organisation that is implementing a manager-coach approach. Coupled with this was the concept of work-life balance and the realities that working women face in attempting to achieve work-life balance, with the primary objective of the research being to identify the roles and skills needed by the manager-coach to optimise the work-life balance of working women. The data was gathered through face-to-face interviews and contact with a representative focus group and analysed by means of content and thematic analysis. A detailed literature review covering the areas of coaching, and in particular manager-coaching, what optimal work-life balance is as well as the realities facing working women in attempting to achieve work-life balance was also conducted. The findings show that, to optimise work-life balance in working women, the manager-coach plays a critical role in communicating with working women and optimising flexibility and choice for these women. In addition to this, the findings showed that the manager-coach plays a role in facilitating the growth and development of the women who report to them, as well as enabling their performance and providing recognition. The findings showed that these roles are enabled by manager-coach skills such as empathy, support and effective communication. The research concludes by reflecting that the manager-coach has an important role to play in enabling choice and flexibility and the growth and development of working women and it is anticipated that this has a direct impact on both the work-life balance and the retention of these women in the workplace.Item A gender-based analysis of ICT adoption and usage in South Africa(2012-10-03) Maleka, Mbombo Bruce MokebeAmple evidence exists that suggests that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) access and usage is structured along gender lines where social, economic, education barriers as well as attitudes impact negatively on female adoption and usage of ICT’s. Further, the ability to communicate and or own an ICT gadget is heavily reliant on disposable income and affordability (Hafkin, 2002). By investigating gender adoption and usage patterns of ICT’s, South Africa stands an opportunity to gather important data critical to circumvent possible negative aspects of gender difference in adoption and usage. According to Huyer, S., and Hafkin, N., (2007), “gender in relation to ICT use and access remains largely an uncharted domain” (Huyer & Hafkin, 2007, p.36). The report uses available ICT data covering between year 2005 to 2010 and the 2007 ICT access and usage survey data is the primary source for the key findings of the report. Key findings of the report suggest that no gender difference exists in adoption and usage of ICT’s in South Africa. However higher incomes, more advanced education, being young and living in an urban location increases adoption and usage. Thus, given the existing gender disparities in income and education and the location of a large proportion of the female population in rural areas, the analysis found that females are disadvantaged with respect to broad ICT access and usage beyond mobile voice communications. While ICT adoption cannot on its own address the broad challenges of socio-economic development, gender-based policy and regulation is necessary to unlock heightened ICT usage by women as a contributing factor to development.Item 'Tales of the Women of Warwick' : the narrated lives of informal street traders.(2012-06-21) Coats, TamrynThis research project focused on the narrated lives of woman informal street traders. Ten women from the Warwick Junction market in Durban, South Africa, of varying ages, were interviewed. The women selected participated in two interviews, one narrative interview and a follow up in-depth open-ended interview based on their life narrative. Thematic analysis was conducted thereafter; through this process recurring themes relevant to all participants were identified and discussed. Five dominant themes resulted from the thematic analysis: ‘Economic challenges’; ‘Politics, police and permits’; ‘Work’; ‘Being a woman’ and ‘Support’. The findings of this research showed that economical challenges were a substantial issue for several of the women, many of who grew up in poverty and remain trapped in the poverty cycle. Disturbingly, several women highlighted how local authorities and corrupt police showed little regard towards trader’s opinions and several women nostalgically recollected trading conditions before 1994. Many of the women were the sole breadwinners for their families, supporting children and grandchildren and great emphasis was placed on the importance of their work as a means of economic survival and financing their children’s education, as schooling was understood to be leverage out of the poverty cycle. The supportive role of the women’s communities was a significant feature in their lives. Several overarching social networks became resources in times of crises. The need to utilize the community as a supportive network was largely due to the lack of formal support women informal street traders received from local authorities. This research raises concerns over the City’s perceptions of, and approach towards, informal street traders, specifically in the last decade. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to broaden understandings of the means of coping used by women in contexts of poverty, constant vulnerability, and exposure to frequent psychologically disturbing trauma.