Exploring Factors Affecting the Empowerment of Rural Women through Local Economic Development Initiatives: A Case Study of Ngwathe Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa

Description

Page: 1687-1695

Thandeka Zoleka Precious Nabileyo¹, RM Mukonza², and E Zwane³ (Department of Public Management, Faculty Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa¹,
Department of Public Management, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa², and Department of Public Administration and Management, University of Limpopo, South Africa³)

This study investigates the factors influencing the empowerment of rural women through local economic development (LED) initiatives, with Ngwathe Municipality in the Free State Province serving as a case study. Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions with women participating in LED projects, employees of Ngwathe Local Municipality (NLM), and members of the broader Ngwathe community. The findings reveal that several internal and external factors affect the empowerment of rural women in NLM through local economic development initiatives. These factors include limited access to education and training, restricted participation in decision-making, inadequate access to resources, and minimal support from both the public and private sectors. Additional challenges such as limited access to markets, financial constraints, and prevailing social norms, further hinder the empowerment process. Despite these obstacles, certain LED projects have been successfully implemented, positively enhancing women’s economic participation and contributing to their overall empowerment.