Effects of feminisation of poverty and its management in Bojanala District

Abstract

The concept of feminization of poverty has given gender a noticeable place within international dialogues on poverty and poverty reduction. But this has not really succeeded in relieving women of the onus of coping with poverty in their households and has sometimes worsened their burdens. Thus the study explored reasons why women are so affected by poverty, what impact does it has on them and how it can be alleviated. North West Community Survey (2016), stated that the poverty headcount in the Province has decreased from 9.2% in 2011 to 8.8% in 2016 but this was recorded in all the three district Municipalities between 2011 and 2016, except in Bojanala, where it increased from 8.2% in 2011 to 8.8% in 2016. The District is reliant on Tourism , Agriculture and Mining but the Mining Industry had created huge attraction, and gave rise to increase in migrant labour. Many people, specifically men relocated to the district for economic and employment opportunities. The study looked at Marikana Massacre and its effects on women of the deceased and those sustained injuries. Policies developed to address disparities of the past in relation to inequalities experienced by women were discussed, which led to the tabling of progress to date, in terms of inclusion of women in the mining industry which for years has been perceived as a male-dominated industry. Qualitative method was used and a sample of 50 participants was selected. Data was gathered through questionnaires, oral interviews and observations. Analysis indicated that more women were affected by the massacre and this has deepened their level of poverty, although the government in partnership with Lonmin mine provided interventions. But the findings revealed that the incident has left participants with scars, loss of income and dissatisfaction. Since participants were not from Bojanala District, it is concluded that coming to Marikana in pursuit of better opportunities did not yield positive results. Minimal progress is registered in terms of inclusion of women in the mines, even though they are still experiencing exploitation by mine managers, violence and inequalities. Challenges pose a threat to women's sustainable livelihoods and socio economic status. The study also suggested with recommendations what can be done to improve the situation that was caused by the Marikana massacre and reduce the effects of feminisation of poverty.