Women leadership in governance networks. A case study of Site-B in Khayelitsha

Abstract

In this mini-thesis I explore the connection between women in the community and women leaders specifically in the Site B Section of Khayelitsha. I investigate amongst other, the social, environmental and economic challenges that women face. I explore feminism and patriarchy in order to better understand the women of Khayelitsha. In order to explore the study appropriately it was important to group the women separately in the qualitative interviews. There were two groups; the first group was women from the community where we discussed their experiences in their community. The second group comprised of women leaders (in local structures such as street committees, the Khayelitsha Development Forum, and political party counsellors) in the area. These women have rather unique experiences and that is an aspect that was critically explored. I then argued how safety and security affects women and their quality of life. The results from the in-depth interviews showed in many instances a close correlation with the literature on the topic. At the same time, the analysis of the interviews and responses to the questions also indicate additional dimensions of experiential meaning that can be ascribed to the in-depth exploration of the existential situation of women in South African society and the various challenges they experience. This was especially true of the B Section area in Khayelitsha, which was selected for investigation and from which the interviewees were drawn.