Women in transition : a socio-religious study of the changing role of rural Hlubi women

Abstract

The study examines the socio-religious role of women in traditional African societies using the Hlubi of Qumbu, Transkei as a case study. Qualitative methodology was used to look at Hlubi women holistically in their past and the situations in which they find themselves today. Primary sources of African traditional religion such as myths, proverbs and taboos were also used in assessing the socio-religious role of Hlubi women. The following observations were made about Hlubi women: 1. They do not constitute an homogenous group. 2. Sexual division of labour allocates to women the responsibility of sustaining the household. 3. They have multiple workloads: namely, survival, household and income generating tasks. 4. They experience ambivalence regarding their roles - responsibility without proper authority. 5. Hlubi women share with their male counterparts the role of traditional healers. 6. In spite of increased involvement of women in church activities they are still denied leadership positions.