Economic empowerment challenges and opportunities women face: the case of Orange Farm, Gauteng
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Date
2020
Authors
Tsekane, Dikeledi Mabel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Women empowerment and economic development are closely linked, and in a sense, development on its own can play an important role in pushing management of inequality between men and women; on the other hand, women empowerment may be helpful in development. Development approaches (policies) and programs are likely not to prioritize women as being fundamental to the economic development processes. This is frequently mirrored within the higher ventures in women's reproductive lives, instead of their beneficial roles, primarily in population programs. However, women across the developing world participate in financially beneficial work and earn salaries, and they fundamentally work in agriculture and within the informal sectors and progressively in formal wage business. Their income, be that as it may, are for the most part too low. Development agencies have reacted to the need for destitute women to earn income by making little income generation ventures through income generating projects, since 1950’s. Most of the time such ventures fail, since they are propelled by welfare and not development concerns, provision of contracts and temporary jobs in traditionally associated abilities, for example sewing and knitting that have constrained markets. On contrary some non-governmental organizations have been quite successful in organizing workers in the formal economy. For example, Self –Employed Women Union (SEWU) in South Africa have been viable in making strides on improving women's economic status, because they have begun with the proposition that women are principal to the process of economic development. Developmental approaches (policies) and programs are likely not to prioritize women as being fundamental to the economic development processes. It may be slightly different now. Nowadays the policies and strategies in place across sectors are pushing the women development agenda. As the author notes, this includes both local (EE, BEE) and more globally (Agenda 2063, SDGs etc). Thus, despite development efforts that are gender inclusive, there are contexts that suffer inequalities such as Orange Farm. Case studies which focused on women’s economic empowerment participation were carried out. The focused projects were women in Cooperatives, Stockvel and Gardening. The study made use of a qualitative research approach using semistructured interviews and observation. Findings of the study revealed that despite a development plan that is implemented, based on gender equality to give preference to women, women are still not ready for higher positions or they don’t have the capacity to handle work. Women also still lack the knowledge and experience to excel, which shows that women’s involvement and capacity are still a challenge. Findings also indicated that participation in these projects has improved women’s selfconfidence and their potential to participate in decision-making processes that includes economic development within their societies. Gardening projects have not only benefited the members but have also contributed positively to the local economy. Women within these projects revealed numerous challenges that they have faced in their projects, such as limited access to resources, namely water and land. Other challenges involved lack of financial support from financing institutes, including organisations that offer financial support. With cooperatives they have cited poor commitment from members and lack of recognition from the BIG businesses.
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Keywords
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Women -- Socio-economic status, Women -- Empowerment, Women in gardening projects, Free State Orange Farm, Women in business, Women entrepreneurs