Political Process Explanations of the Rise of Women Representation in Leadership Positions in National Politics : The Case of South Africa - Research

Political Process Explanations of the Rise of Women Representation in Leadership Positions in National Politics : The Case of South Africa - Research

Author: 
Iwara, I.O.
Publisher: 
Adonis & Abbey
Date published: 
2018
Record type: 
Responsibility: 
Amaechi, K.E., jt. author
Itsweni, P., jt. author
Tshifhumulo, R., jt. author
Journal Title: 
AFFRIKA: Journal of Politics, Economics and Society
Source: 
AFFRIKA Journal of Politics, Economics and Society, Vol 8, No. 2, 2018, pp. 31 - 45
Abstract: 

Unlike in many countries around the world, a great number of South African women have since the advent of democracy in 1994 attained significant political leadership positions. Despite being constrained by traditional norms and values, the political status of women in the country has risen from 2.7% at the end of apartheid to about 47% as of 2017. Today, South Africa is among the few countries in the world with more than 40% women representation in decisionmaking institutions, in both national and regional governments. This paper provides explanation for this 'exceptionalism', with the hope that they will serve as a learning curve for communities with poor women representation. It builds on political process model within the social movement theory to unpack the phenomenon. Exploratory sequential research design, supported with qualitative and quantitative research methods was used for the study. Snowball sampling technique guided the data collection process, which was analyzed using Atlas.ti 8 and SPSS 25. The results indicated support for women education (14%), the presence of women liberation movement during the apartheid (13%), quota system (12%), protests movements against patriarchy (12%), demonstrated leadership skills (11%), and sensitization on gender equality (10%) are key factors. Other factors include institutional support (7%), willingness to serve (5%) and zeal to compete (3%). These factors interact with one another to provide the window of opportunities through which women activists participate and attain leadership positions in South African politics.

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CITATION: Iwara, I.O.. Political Process Explanations of the Rise of Women Representation in Leadership Positions in National Politics : The Case of South Africa - Research . : Adonis & Abbey , 2018. AFFRIKA Journal of Politics, Economics and Society, Vol 8, No. 2, 2018, pp. 31 - 45 - Available at: https://library.au.int/political-process-explanations-rise-women-representation-leadership-positions-national-politics-case