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Masters Degrees (Community Development)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6680

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Community Development) by SDG "SDG5"

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    An analysis of the links between poverty and gender at Vedriet farm in KwaZulu-Natal province.
    (2022) Emmanuel, Thamsanqa Mncube.; Matse, Muzi Patrick.
    This study aimed to describe the relationship between poverty and gender inequality. The study also sought to understand how gender inequality promotes poverty and to determine prevalent incidences linked to poverty and gender inequality. The study employed a qualitative research methodology in the form of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Purposive sampling was used to select 16 participants who met the minimum of four of the five criteria. Using Structural functionalism theory to conduct the study, the main findings revealed that females are at greater risk of poverty because of the social construct of gender. The literature reviewed confirmed that gender inequality is a major threat to poverty reduction. The study further revealed that younger and older women do not agree over challenging patriarchal practices in the community. Moreover, the study further revealed that the social construct of gender affects women negatively and harms men and boys who are regarded weak when they advocate for equal rights and opportunities. As a result, social restrictions discourage men and boys from deviation from traditional expectations. In addition, patriarchal practices and beliefs allow too much freedom to boys than girls. The practical implications of the findings are that poverty and gender inequality interventions need to concentrate on gender-related poverty differentials and consider access level to and control over resources at the initial stage. Moreover, analysis of gender relations and gender impact assessment must be a prerequisite for successfully implementing any poverty alleviation programmes, policies, and projects.
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    Assessing the impact of community structures in protecting forced migrant women in inner city Durban.
    (2021) Maliti, Tamasha Nyambura.; Tshishonga, Ndwakhulu Stephen.
    Forced migration has become a global crisis, with half of those being women. Forced migrant women are the most vulnerable in situations of displacement and resettling in host countries. Community structures, however, can play important roles in protecting, integrating and providing women with support in their host country. The purpose of this study is to assess the roles and impact of existing community structures in protecting and integrating forced migrant women in the inner city of Durban, South Africa. This study uses social capital and social networks as a theoretical framework to understand the role of community structures in the protection and integration of forced migrant women. The study used a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews with 12 women who were forced migrants. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling through a local non-governmental organization working with refugees. Data were thematically analysed with respect to the study’s objectives. Results showed community structures played two main roles, first, in offering short-term assistance such as, short-term accommodation, food and medical attention to women. Second, in providing longer - term assistance, in the form of spiritual support, connection to work opportunities and reuniting families. Women’s bonding and bridging social capital were important for them in accessing a wider range of opportunities via community structures and in establishing close-knit social networks such as support groups and savings clubs. Community structures also hindered migrant women’s integration and protection, specifically, around women’s experiences of sexual and gender based violence and intimate partner violence, community structures reinforced traditional gender roles, and they had limited resources to support women. Issues of mistrust also impeded the women from accessing needed assistance from wider social networks in the city. As a result, some women remained isolated and not adequately protected, hindering their integration and access to support systems. This study suggests that strategies to improve forced migrant women’s integration and protection could include creating safe spaces for women. In addition, working with and building the existing community structures’ capacity can help develop better responses to the needs of women.