Women in KwaZulu-natal councils have seats, but not always power
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Nomakhwezi Ntshele, a researcher with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa, investigated how women participate in traditional leadership within KwaZulu-Natal communities.
Ntshele examined traditional councils to determine if women’s presence translated into actual influence over community decisions. Her research revealed that while women are often formally included in these councils, they frequently have limited ability to shape discussions, agendas, and final outcomes.
Ntshele discovered a gap between legal recognition of gender equality and the experiences of women in traditional governance. Women’s involvement tended to be more visible in areas like welfare and community support, while men dominated decisions about land, succession, and resource allocation. The study identified several barriers to women’s full participation, including patrilineal succession practices, expectations related to marriage, informal gatekeeping, and a perceived “legitimacy deficit” where women’s authority was questioned.
The researcher also found that women often faced a “double burden” of leadership responsibilities combined with disproportionate family and caregiving duties. However, Ntshele’s work showed that cultural norms are not fixed and can evolve. Communities with progressive traditional leaders provided more opportunities for women’s meaningful participation, suggesting that institutional changes can support gender equality. Ntshele hopes her findings will encourage monitoring beyond simply counting women in leadership roles, focusing instead on their actual influence on community outcomes.
