Cultural politics, gender dynamics and development: A Zimbabwean rural perspective

Mandizvidza, Donald (2016) Cultural politics, gender dynamics and development: A Zimbabwean rural perspective. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

This research project is premised on the argument that women are oppressed and discriminated against socio-culturally, economically and politically. Women do assume social and economic roles in the family and community but their contributions are not recognised compared with men. This dissertation explores the cultural politics behind the exploitation of women in rural Zimbabwe. The research mainly dwells on the negative impacts imposed by patriarchal attitudes on women’s socio-economic and political progress. A review of literature including journals, books, and newspaper articles, government documents, local and international non-governmental organizations reflected that Zimbabwean women face social, cultural, economic, political and educational barriers and despite the measures being done to alleviate the women’s subordinate position, parity has yet to be achieved. Rural women need to be empowered by getting higher education. More economic opportunities, political participation and decision-making in order to reduce their dependency on men can be achieved by increasing their enrolment in higher education, as well as through the provision of microcredit or microfinance. In political participation the use of the quota system is recommended as it has been viewed as the best solution in terms of increasing the participation of women in political governance.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters by Coursework)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Arts
Supervisor(s):	Reid, Anja
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/34443

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