Factors limiting women's involvement in development: lesson from Ithuseng, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates factors influencing limited involvement in development process by women in South Africa?s semi and rural areas. The influence of government development policy, education and cultural values on rural women was also investigated. The results suggest that the majority of the women in rural areas are illiterate. These women have been involved in development related work without knowing it, because they lack initiatives, innovations, self-reliance attitudes and they are isolated, not exposed to information and are marginalized through the non-interactive government development policies. These symptoms reflect a lack of structured development strategy to create needed opportunities for women. All these are a result of high rate of illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and malnutrition. In other words, the development approach itself has failed them by not being able to enhance their welfare.