Women, development & transport in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This monograph addresses the challenges facing policy and its implementation in respect of women, development and transport by concentrating on selected sites in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

A key indicator in social, political and economic development, transport is not simply about mobility and infrastructure, but also about socio-cultural roles and responsibilities that impede the development of women and girl children. The study provides original perspectives, via established methodologies and through the use of time-use diaries, on the important social, economic and cultural barriers that confirm women's negative experiences as effects of patriarchal power.

Insights gained during the research are directed towards not only transport infrastructure in the Eastern Cape, but also to poverty alleviation, gender mainstreaming and intervention in respect of violence against women, a direct experience of the transport-and travel-related activities of women. This rich empirical evidence is reinforced by appropriate recommendations to provide valuable impetus for national policy and planning.