The Role of Patriarchy in Family Settings and its Implications to Girls and Women in South Africa

Abstract

This study aims at empowering women to take control over their sexuality in order to change the unrelenting poverty cycle among girls and women in South Africa. Qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty-five (35) participants from Tshikhudini area in Thulamela Municipality. The study used both primary and secondary data collection methods. At the core of the debates on the system of patriarchy are notions that perpetuate women’s suppression around the world and outdated practices that suggest that a woman’s role in the family is subordinate to that of a man. It was found that due to patriarchy women were controlled even in the reproductive process. It was revealed that women were not allowed to use contraceptives due to the belief that it makes men feel sick after sleeping with them. Findings revealed that the role of patriarchy deprived women from advancing educationally. Therefore, this study calls for redress so that women would be empowered; in addition to seeking to promote gender equality.

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