Women's participation in rural development projects : a case study of Okhahlamba Local Municipality

Abstract

Public participation has been at the heart of democratic South Africa with its ability to afford ordinary citizens a chance to map out their aspirations as far as development projects are concerned. Democratic principles in this context eliminate any form of dictatorship by the government, encourages transparency and accountability, while allowing community members to form part of decision-making process in matters which directly affect them. This is particularly relevant for communities in rural areas where the majority of the population consists of previously disadvantaged women whom are also burdened by other household duties. These duties, at times, hinder women from taking part in activities outside of their homes, such as participating in development interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the participation or involvement of rural women in development projects, using Okhahlamba Local Municipality situated in Bergville, Kwa-Zulu Natal as the study area. Specifically, this study interrogated and assessed women’s understanding of the concept ‘public participation and development’, the functioning and effectiveness of ward committees in ensuring and promoting meaningful participation of women in development interventions within their wards, as well as other factors affecting women’s participation and the municipality’s ability to address these factors. A qualitative research design approach was followed using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observations as the data gathering procedures. The sample for the study was comprised of women from three wards within the municipality in which development projects (housing, road construction and community hall) have been implemented, municipal officials who are tasked with administering public participation process and ward committee members. In the administration of public participation, ward committees act as communicating agents between the community and the municipality. The investigation revealed that women in the rural areas of Bergville did not fully understand what community participation entailed, the importance of participating in development projects, or the value of taking part in these activities. Consequently, this negatively affected how the concepts of public participation and rural development were put into practice. The study found that the rural women’s participation in development projects is further compromised by their household duties, gender roles, low self-esteem, late notices for meeting, lack of support resources, in terms of transport to meeting venues, and nonexistent empowerment initiatives by the municipality. Even though the study was initially based on

the premise that there was dysfunctionality of ward committees which consequently compromised public participation, findings revealed that these structures were functioning effectively and were well informed based on the role they are meant to serve at the time of this study. However, the popularity of the ward committees amongst community members was poor. The study, therefore, recommends that the municipality conduct regular workshops and seminars aimed at empowering and educating women about the importance of public participation, avail resources aimed at enabling and supporting women to attend community meetings, without compromising time spent on their household duties, popularize ward committees and improve the public communication strategy. The findings of this study provided different alternatives to enable the municipality to develop better strategies in facilitating community participation and ensuring that women are given a fair opportunity to make meaningful inputs in development interventions within the area. To say we have truly realised values of a democratic state would partly translate to South Africa and all its municipal subsidiaries affording women an equal right to meaningful participation in all spheres that affect their wellbeing, regardless of where they are located. True realised values of a democratic state would mean that all barriers prohibiting meaningful participation of women to take place are eliminated at all levels.